Customer preferences for improved flame-based cookstove features in two South African study areas

The continued large-scale use of inefficient flame-based cookstoves directly influences human development levels globally, including in South Africa. It has been demonstrated that the adoption and sustained use of safe, inexpensive and improved stove designs by domestic households could lead to a significant reduction of household air pollution (HAP). From examination of descriptions of previous improved cookstove dissemination programmes, it becomes apparent that the focus on customer preferences was absent in many of the unsuccessful projects. Social marketing strategies with a customer focus have been widely applied (for more than three decades) in the fields of public health and the environment with significant success. This paper investigates the customer preferences for improved flame-based cookstove features in two South African study areas using a willingness-to-pay survey methodology. The paper will suggest which combination of stove features (i.e. fuel types, sizes, durability and payment options) represent a necessary companion to other strategies in the dissemination of improved flame-based stoves in the South African market place.