Title: Diffusion of solar cookers in Africa: status and prospects

Authors: Kassahun Y. Kebede; Toshio Mitsufuji; Bizuneh S. Yemiru

Addresses: Graduate School of Technology Management, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, 525-8577, Japan ' Graduate School of Technology Management, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, 525-8577, Japan ' Nitsare Project Service PLC, P. O. Box 58760, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract: Modern solar cooking, claimed to be originated in Africa, is still an underutilised cooking method while remaining a potential solution to reduce deforestation, social, and health problems. This study has made use of pertinent literature review to explore factors influencing the development and diffusion of solar cookers in Africa. Furthermore, a case study on the adoption of solar cookers in Ethiopia was conducted. The study mapped out technical, actor-network-related, and institutional factors that hampered the adoption of solar cookers in the continent. The case study justifies most of the claims in the literature review. Innovation system framework was employed as a focusing device for the analysis. Moreover, potential solutions for faster adoption of solar cookers including looking for new change agents and innovation package adoption strategy are proposed. Along with forwarding policy recommendations, further research areas are also indicated at the end.

Keywords: Africa; Ethiopia; renewable energy; innovation systems; solar cookers; solar energy; solar power; case study; actor networks; technical factors; institutional factors; solar cooker adoption; solar cooker diffusion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2014.066875

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2014 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.200 - 220

Received: 06 Feb 2014
Accepted: 12 Jun 2014
Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

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