African Migration Studies (Interdisciplinary - Social focus) | 14 February 2007
Solar Cookers in Rural Zimbabwe: An Adoption Study
M, a, m, b, o, M, a, c, h, i, p, i, r, i
Abstract
Solar cookers have gained popularity in urban areas of Zimbabwe but their adoption in rural settings remains underexplored. A mixed-methods approach combining structured interviews with a survey was employed to gather data from 120 randomly selected rural households. The study revealed that while 45% of respondents were aware of solar cookers, only 18% had adopted them. Key drivers for adoption included proximity to markets selling solar cookers and perceived environmental benefits. Rural Zimbabwean households face challenges such as financial constraints and limited awareness about the health and economic advantages of solar cooking. Government subsidies and community engagement programmes are recommended to increase solar cooker adoption in rural areas.