Effects of Unsustainable Use of Biomass Energy for Cooking and Strategies for their ‎Reduction in Developing Countries

Abstract

This paper analyses effects of biomass energy use for cooking in developing countries. The biomass use is ‎harvested unsustainably and energy conversion technologies are inefficient. Unavailability and high prices ‎of modern energy services has encouraged the use and preference for biomass as a major source of fuel ‎for domestic activities. The use of biomass fuels for cooking has serious adverse consequences on the ‎health of household members and on the environment. Women and children are traditionally responsible ‎for cooking and other household chores, therefore, they suffer most from indoor air-pollution. Various ‎measures and strategies for reducing the effects of unsustainable use of biomass for cooking are discussed. ‎Promising approaches include the use of appropriate technologies, modern cooking fuel, modernized ‎biomass and improved cook-stove designs for higher efficiency and good ventilation.‎