Drivers and Barriers to Clean Cooking: A Systematic Literature Review from a Consumer Behavior Perspective

Vania Vigolo, Rezarta Sallaku and Federico Testa
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Vania Vigolo: Department of Business Administration, University of Verona, Via Cantarane, 24, 37129 Verona, Italy
Rezarta Sallaku: Department of Business Administration, University of Verona, Via Cantarane, 24, 37129 Verona, Italy
Federico Testa: Department of Business Administration, University of Verona, Via Cantarane, 24, 37129 Verona, Italy

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: A lack of access to clean energy and use of traditional cooking systems have severe negative effects on health, especially among women and children, and on the environment. Despite increasing attention toward this topic, few studies have explored the factors influencing consumers’ adoption of improved cooking stoves (ICS). This systematic literature review ( n = 81) aims to identify the main drivers and barriers to clean cooking from a consumer perspective. In addition, it aims to define how consumers perceive ICS with respect to traditional stoves. Thematic analysis revealed seven factors that may act as drivers or barriers to ICS adoption: economic factors; socio-demographics; fuel availability; attitude toward technology; awareness of the risks of traditional cookstoves and the benefits of ICS; location; and social and cultural influences. Perceptions focused on four topics: convenience and uses, aesthetics, health-related impacts, and environmental impacts. This review contributes to understanding of consumer behavior with regards to ICS. The findings suggest that availability and affordability of technology are not enough to enhance ICS adoption. Rather, policy makers and managers should approach customers with a less technical and a more personalized approach that takes due consideration of a local context and its social and cultural dynamics.

Keywords: clean cooking; energy poverty; consumer behavior; purchase intention; improved cooking stoves; health; environment; sustainability; social norms; culture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (20)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:11:p:4322-:d:184447

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