Household fuel use and food consumption: Relationship and seasonal effects in central Malawi

The present study analysed the relationship between household fuel use on one hand and food preparation and consumption on the other. Data were collected in the rainy season, a period of relatively low food availability, and in the post‐harvest season, a period of sufficient food availability. In both seasons, a high fuel use was associated with a high energy intake. In the rainy season, this association was determined chiefly by food availability whereas in the post‐harvest season fuelwood availability was a determinant of food intake as the correlations became stronger with decreasing fuelwood availability. In both seasons, households with a high fuel use showed a high energy intake from cooked foods made of cereals. Only in the post‐harvest season was a high fuel use also related to a high energy intake from other food groups, especially beans. In the rainy season, vegetable intake was increased with an increase in fuel use, but this did not affect energy intake due to the low calorie content of vegetables. The reduction of intake from food groups other than cereals forms a point of special concern in view of the already overwhelming dependence on cereals. A reduced use of fuel may lower the already marginal quality of the diet.

Key words:

• Household fuel use
• food consumption
• food preparation
• seasonality
• fuelwood shortage
• Malawi
• Africa