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Technological innovation and dispersion: Environmental benefits and the adoption of improved biomass cookstoves in Tigrai, northern Ethiopia

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  • Gebreegziabher, Zenebe
  • van Kooten, G. Cornelis
  • van Soest, Daan P.

Abstract

This paper empirically analyzes adoption and fuel savings efficiency of improved biomass cookstove technology using survey data from a cross-section of 200 farm households from the highlands of Tigrai, northern Ethiopia. Results indicate that these farm households are willing to adopt improved biomass cookstove innovations if this leads to economic savings. Moreover, results suggest significant positive environmental externalities. On a per household basis, we found that adopters collect about 70kg less wood and about 20kg less dung each month. The adoption of improved biomass cookstoves reduces harvest pressure on local forest stands: assuming an average of 120metric tons of biomass per ha, we find the potential reduction in deforestation amounts to some 1400ha per year – an important saving. Further, the reduced use of dung as a fuel has a positive impact on soil productivity in agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Gebreegziabher, Zenebe & van Kooten, G. Cornelis & van Soest, Daan P., 2017. "Technological innovation and dispersion: Environmental benefits and the adoption of improved biomass cookstoves in Tigrai, northern Ethiopia," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 337-345.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:67:y:2017:i:c:p:337-345
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2017.08.030
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vania Vigolo & Rezarta Sallaku & Federico Testa, 2018. "Drivers and Barriers to Clean Cooking: A Systematic Literature Review from a Consumer Behavior Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Grabher, Harald F. & Erb, Karlheinz & Singh, Simron & Haberl, Helmut, 2024. "Household energy systems based on biomass: Tracing material flows from source to service in rural Ethiopia," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    3. Lindgren, Samantha, 2024. "Sociocultural determinants of electric cooking in rural Namibia: Recommendations for youth and educational approaches to implementation strategy and policy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    4. Belachew, Azmera, 2024. "Impacts of results-based financing improved cookstove intervention on households' livelihood: Evidence from Ethiopia," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    5. Lindgren, Samantha, 2021. "Cookstove implementation and Education for Sustainable Development: A review of the field and proposed research agenda," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Improved cookstoves and fuel-savings; Economic development; Land degradation; Technological adoption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services
    • Q24 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Land

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