Abstract:
Deforestation is undeniable fact that it is a worldwide environmental concern. This study assessed contribution of energy efficient rocket stoves technology in deforestation control at household level in Chamwino District whereby it specifically examined adoption and adaptive use of energy efficient rocket stoves technology. It also explored the impact of energy efficient rocket stoves technology in rate of deforestation and identified challenges in adoption and use of energy efficient rocket stoves technology in the study area. The study involved 114 respondents including randomly selected 100 households and 14 purposely selected key informants such as WEO, VEO, DEMO, FO and STT Officers. The data were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and documentary review. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis based on emerging themes. Moreover, forest cover change was assessed using ERDAS IMAGINE 2014, ArcGIS 10.2.2, Google Earth and Microsoft Office Excel.
Findings showed that, even though the majority (60%) revealed the fact that rocket stoves are efficient in terms of firewood, adoption was only high initially due to promotion by STT project and perceived benefit, later as the project phased out, adoption decreased due to loss of hope and socioeconomic barriers. Even those who adopted the stoves, only few (27%) had adaptive use as the majority turned into use of traditional stoves because the majority (84%) faced challenges in use of the stoves. Among the challenges were easy breaking of the stove, costs of running the stove when broken and cutting of wood into small pieces. Moreover, it was revealed that the rate of deforestation is still increasing despite the introduced stoves. It was therefore concluded that rocket stoves have not helped in control of deforestation. Hence, it was recommended that, people should respond positively towards such projects so that forests are sustained for both present and future generations. Also, the implementers should continue to visit the areas and work on the existing challenges so as to ensure effective adoption as well as use of the stoves even after the phase is off.
