Solar Cookers among Smallholder Farmers in Mozambique: Energy Savings and Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis

Solar cookers have emerged as a promising technology for energy conservation and sustainable development in rural areas of developing countries. Qualitative data collection methods were employed through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with a sample of smallholder farmers across three provinces in Mozambique. Solar cookers are predominantly adopted by women for cooking meals, reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal. They save up to 60% of energy costs compared to traditional methods. The adoption of solar cookers has contributed to more sustainable livelihoods among smallholder farmers in Mozambique, particularly through reduced expenditure on fuel. Government policies should incentivize the use of solar cookers by providing subsidies and awareness campaigns, while also supporting local production for sustainability.