Guidelines on evaluating the fuel consumption of improved cookstoves; a manual

Because past assessments of the fuel efficiency of such stoves have been confusing, complicated, and replete with opportunities for error, this manual details the simple, three-step process that follows for evaluating, at the household level, the fuel efficiency of these cookstoves. (1) Talk with and observe cooks to get information about the size of household, type and location of stove used, number of pots used, type and amount of fuel used, type and amount of food cooked, etc. (2) Use one or more of four simple household measurements to statistically determine amount of fuel saved by improved stoves. The single meal measurement method compares fuel usage of a traditional versus improved stove to cook a main meal. In the cost comparison method, the fuel purchases of traditional stove users are compared to those of improved stove users for a 3-month period. Woodstack measurements determine fuel savings by weighing wood at the week"s start and end, comparing traditional stove with improved stove households. The modified kaya test compares the fuel use of the two stoves by asking cooks to alternately use traditional and improved stoves every other day for two weeks. Daily measures of the fuel usage are taken. Similar measurements in Africa have shown a fuel savings of 20-50%. (3) Use isolated variable tests under controlled conditions in regional testing centers to test and evaluate fuel savings due to changes in stove design or operating conditions. The importance of choosing effective evaluators and of their need to acquaint themselves with local fuel and cooking practices is stressed. Included are many practical tips for talking with cooks about cooking and fuel use; a list of equipment needed for taking fuel measurements; cautions to be alerted to; and the kinds of information that can and cannot be expected at each of the three steps in the process. A simple statistical analysis for comparing fuel consumption by traditional and improved stoves and a 7-item annotated bibliography, including one item in Spanish, (1980-81) are appended.