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.

Keywords: Biomass, Cooking, Unsustainable, Energy, Health, Environment.