Social Evaluation of an Improved Cookstove Intervention Program in Nepal - A Case Study

Transition to new technology is a gradual and challenging process in developing countries likeNepal. Shift to clean cooking in one of the prime focus, wherein national and internationalorganizations are executing Improved Cookstoves (ICS) distribution programs. ICS are cleaner andmore efficient options for cooking in rural areas of Nepal where electricity distribution iscompromised. Despite technological advancements, due to limited consideration of social aspects,the beneficiaries are not using the distributed models as expected. This paper evaluates a case of anICS dissemination program — particularly rocket and metallic stoves — conducted in 2019 throughan international non-governmental organization based on social aspects. 163 out of 500 householdbeneficiaries were taken for the study from Baglung and Parbat districts of Nepal, wherein theconcentration of distributed ICS were high. Survey and Key Informant Interviews were conductedto gather information on transition to clean cooking, infrastructural development, demography,health and psychology, institutional involvement, resource availability, political aspects and genderinclusion, community status, financial support and cultural aspect. The study found that 55.21% ofthe sampled households had the distributed ICS with them. Only 14.44% of them relied solely onICS for cooking, and the rest depended majorly on Traditional Cookstoves (TCS) and LiquefiedPetroleum Gas (LPG). 42.2% of ICS users had been using LPG as their alternative cooking solution.The distribution region lacked nearby ICS manufacturing facility. Some of the participants reportedrespiratory health issues and eye problems which could be due to use of TCS. Study also showedresistance among users for transition to ICS. Issues regarding fuelwood accessibility, operation andsafety of ICS, food preference, and gender inclusion during distribution were minimal. It isconcluded that authorities should conduct prior user study to refine their target households.Infrastructural development, institutional involvement and local stakeholder participation indecision making should be considered to promote the transition. This study recommends regularmonitoring of grassroots level outcomes beyond distribution programs.