Urban and rural households’ awareness and willingness to adopt biomass briquettes in Ghana

The environmental and health risks associated with fossil fuel use in cooking underscore the urgent need for sustainable energy alternatives. This study examines the adoption potential of biomass briquettes in urban (Madina) and rural (Donkorkrom) households in Ghana. Using household surveys (n = 362) and key informant interviews (n = 8), the study distinguishes between willingness to purchase or try briquettes (representing an initial interest or expressed intent to pay) and willingness to switch to briquettes as the primary cooking fuel (reflecting a deeper commitment to behavioural change and sustained adoption). Findings reveal significant rural–urban differences in adoption. While 80.4% of respondents were willing to purchase briquettes, only 72.1% were open to fully switching. This disparity was more pronounced in Donkorkrom, where 83.3% were willing to purchase but only 69.1% to switch, compared to 78.0% and 74.5%, respectively, in Madina. Rural households showed a stronger inclination toward fuel stacking, maintaining reliance on traditional fuels. Key factors associated with awareness and adoption included household size, dwelling type, income, and educational level. In contrast, knowledge of briquettes was critical for willingness to transition fully to briquettes as a primary fuel source, particularly in rural areas where awareness remained low. Subsidies and policy initiatives did not significantly impact purchasing intent (p = 0.443) but played a key role in full adoption (p = 0.003, Cramer’s V = 0.178), emphasizing the role of financial incentives in long-term transition. The study concludes that initial adoption is shaped by attitudes and financial means, while full transition depends on affordability, accessibility, and policy support. Differentiated urban–rural strategies are essential for an inclusive clean cooking transition.