A Randomized Control Trial (RCT) on the Adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cooking Technology among Fast Food (Chapati) Vendors in Uganda

Biomass is predominantly the energy used for cooking by households and food vendors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Relying on biomass energy leads to deforestation and is associated with negative health and economic burdens. Deforestation poses a risk to the environment and contributes to climate change. There is therefore needed to promote use of efficient, clean and environmentally friendly energy. Interventions promoting use of mainly biomass saving cookstoves have been undertaken. Recent evidence, however, shows that biomass stove models deliver only marginal reductions in emissions. While LPG cookstoves yield greater health benefits and reduction in emissions, very few studies have assessed this technology. High initial cost and perceptions regarding safety are major hindrances to adoption of LPG. Hire purchase schemes and safety awareness campaigns offer opportunities to increase adoption. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of hire purchase schemes and health and safety information on adoption of LPG. A RCT will be conducted in Kawempe division that has a high concentration of chapati vendors. This study will contribute to establishing a policy intervention and a marketing strategy that can facilitate a switch from wasteful charcoal stoves to efficient and clean LPG cookstoves.