The Use of Willingness to Pay in Determining Customer Preferences for Improved Flame-Based Cookstove Features in Two South African Study Areas

Abstract

The continued large-scale use of inefficient flame-based cookstoves directly influences human development levels globally, including in South Africa. It has been demonstrated that the adoption and sustained use of safe, inexpensive, and improved stove designs by households could lead to a significant reduction in household air pollution. From an examination of descriptions of previous improved cookstove dissemination programs, it becomes apparent that a focus on customer preferences was absent in many of the unsuccessful projects. This article investigates the customer preferences for improved flame-based cookstove features in two South African study areas using a willingness-to-pay survey methodology. A key finding indicates that the use of safety awareness campaigns could significantly shift demand for inefficient (kerosene powered) cookstoves to efficient and safer liquefied petroleum gas stoves. Furthermore, a preference for larger stoves (allowing for cooking in two pots simultaneously) was found. The availability of credit did not seem to influence purchasing behavior. The article suggests that the inclusion of safety awareness demonstrations in combination with other appropriate stove features (i.e., fuel types, sizes, durability, and payment options) represents a necessary companion to other strategies for the successful dissemination of improved flame-based stoves in the South African marketplace. This also has implication for large-scale stove interventions advocated by the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and the World Bank.