Event Information
Presented by: Prof. Randall Bluffstone, Portland State University
Abstract:
This paper uses a field experiment and real-time electronic stove use monitors to evaluate over a period of more than one year how different incentives affect usage intensity of one of the most important improved biomass-burning stoves promoted in rural Ethiopia. Understanding whether, how much and why improved stoves are used are important, because use frequency critically determines fuelwood and carbon sequestration benefits from the stoves. We evaluate three monetary treatments and carefully distinguish between short and long-run effects. We find that distributing the stoves for free is the preferred policy for promoting long-run adoption and use. Requiring monetary payments is not found to promote regular use of the technology.