The energy poverty that typifies rural areas of developing countries in Africa is staggering in its proportions. These areas have become trapped in subsistence-level economies characterised by inefficient use of

In developing countries, biomass is used as a primary source of energy for cooking and water heating. Use of the biomass in traditional cook stoves creates serious health problems to rural women and children. Biomass gasification appears to have a significant potential for domestic cooking applications.

The fireless cooker is a little-used but valuable technology, comprising an insulated basket into which pre-heated food is left to cook in its own heat. During the recent Practical Action smoke alleviation project, the first fireless cooker demonstration used very smart baskets and expensive foodstuffs. The women felt it was 'too expensive' for them.

From 2005 to 2007, ENERGIA

Despite the numerous benefits associated with cleaner alternatives, the transition to improved fuels and stoves has not progressed hugely in Sub-Saharan Africa. Why is it that so often, well designed, efficient and clean stoves fail to penetrate the market in developing countries?

Looking at household dynamics in relation to gender is crucial for successful household energy interventions. Women

Access to modern forms of energy continues to elude the majority of households in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and only about 30% of the population has access to electricity while 90% relies on traditional fuels for cooking and heating. The central question addressed in this review is whether or not SSA can provide access to modern energy services for its entire population by 2030.

Traditional stoves generate large quantities of smoke and suspended particulate matter while only 10-40% of released energy tranfers to pot. This research paper describes design steps with experiments carried out for charcoal stove named SEES to interlink energy efficiency and various design parameters.

The need to meet the growing energy demand from Zambia