Solar cookers have been introduced to rural communities in Senegal as a sustainable alternative to traditional cooking methods that rely on firewood, leading to deforestation and increased carbon emissions. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from focus group discussions. A multivariate regression model was utilised to analyse the relationship between solar cooker usage frequency and household energy expenditure. Solar cookers were adopted by 65% of rural households in Zambia, resulting in an average reduction of 30% in daily cooking fuel costs. Despite initial investment costs, solar cookers provided significant long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, with adoption rates highest among families with lower income levels. Public health initiatives should prioritise education campaigns on the economic and ecological advantages of adopting solar cookers in rural Zambia. Solar Cooker Adoption, Rural Communities, Energy Savings, Cost-Effectiveness, Zambia The empirical specification follows Y=₀+^ X+, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Chilufya Chanda (Thu,) studied this question.