Abstract
In Zimbabwe, alternatives to grid electricity are being
sought in the light of limited electricity supply and
under-performance of major electricity generation
plants following the economic meltdown affecting the
country since the mid-1990s, triggered by the Economic
Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP), and more
recently due to political instability. Extensive black-outs
routinely up to 12 hours per day and even for several
days are common in some areas. Consequently, the
majority of households continue to rely substantially on
wood fuel to meet their basic daily energy needs. Yet
the provision of modern energy services and
technologies to these households does not seem to be a
priority for national energy policy makers. Although
improved cookstoves (ICS) are in greater use in rural
areas than urban settlements of Zimbabwe, their
potential remains largely unexploited. This research
aims to highlight the marked potential and current
prospects of improved cookstoves in rural and urban
communities of Zimbabwe. Ultimately, this research
will better inform policy makers, government,
academia and the public about cookstove technologies
with reduced fuel use, reduced energy costs, and user
friendly capacity to improve health in rural and urban
communities.