DETERMINANTS OF SUSTAINABILITY OF IMPROVED COOK STOVES USE AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN MARSABIT CENTRAL SUB COUNTY, MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
This study investigated the determinants that affect the sustainability of improved cookstove (ICS) use among households in Marsabit Central Sub-county, Marsabit County, Kenya. The study specifically examined the influence of stove characteristics, socio-economic factors, and the availability of support services on the sustained use of improved cookstoves among beneficiary households. Despite the promotion and distribution of improved cookstoves as a strategy to reduce indoor air pollution, improve energy efficiency, and enhance household welfare, sustained use of the technology remains a challenge in many rural and marginalized communities. Many households continue to rely on traditional cooking methods due to issues related to stove durability, affordability, cultural compatibility, and inadequate technical support. This raises concerns regarding the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of improved cookstove interventions. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A sample of 205 respondents was selected from a target population of 2,250 households using appropriate sampling procedures. Primary data was collected using structured household questionnaires. Data analysis using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between the independent variables and sustainability of improved cookstove use. The findings revealed that improved cookstoves achieved widespread adoption among sampled households, although daily usage remained limited due to stove breakage, durability concerns, and reliance on alternative cooking devices. Users identified positive stove attributes such as fuel efficiency, portability, and reduced smokiness, but also reported challenges including incompatibility with common cooking pots, insufficient heat output, and limited durability. The regression results showed that stove characteristics had the strongest and most statistically significant influence on sustainability of improved cookstove use (B = 0.651, p < 0.001), while socio-economic factors such as affordability also had a significant positive influence (B = 0.186, p = 0.018). However, availability of support services was found to have no statistically significant influence on sustainability (B = 0.023, p = 0.705). The study concluded that stove characteristics and affordability are the most critical determinants of the sustainability of improved cookstove use among households in Marsabit Central Sub-county. The study recommends that stakeholders and programme implementers prioritize user-centered stove designs that improve durability, fuel efficiency, portability, and compatibility with local cooking practices.
Keywords: Determinants, Sustainability, Cook Stoves, Households, In Marsabit Central Sub County
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