Socio-economic drivers of household adoption of improved cook stoves: Evidence from a national household survey in Tanzania

Despite national efforts, adoption of improved cook stoves in Tanzania remains low, particularly in rural areas. This study examines socio-economic and stove-related determinants of household adoption using the 2020/2021 wave of the Tanzania National Panel Survey, analyzed with a cross-sectional binary logistic regression model. Results reveal significant urban–rural disparities, with urban households (21.7%) adopting more than rural households (14%). Key drivers of adoption include household income, type of habitation, age of the household head, stove value, time spent on fuel collection, and household location. Contrary to findings commonly reported in the energy adoption literature, the education level of the household head was not significant, likely reflecting gaps between formal curricula and practical energy technology knowledge and the predominance of informal learning channels in Tanzania. Perceived health harms from traditional stoves were negatively associated with adoption, suggesting that financial and informational constraints limit health-motivated uptake. The study recommends targeted rural infrastructure expansion, energy literacy campaigns, and subsidies or financing schemes, emphasizing multidimensional interventions to promote equitable access.