Biomass fuel use, burning technique and reasons for the denial of improved cooking stoves by Forest User Groups of Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh

Abstract

Use of biomass fuel in traditional cooking stoves (TCS) is a long-established practice that has incomplete combustion and generates substances with global warming potential (GWP). Improved cooking stoves (ICS) have been developed worldwide as an alternative household fuel burning device, as well as a climate change mitigation. A study was conducted among female Forest User Groups (FUGs) of Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh, to assess the status of ICS disseminated by the Forest Department (FD) under the Nishorgo (2009) Support Project, along with the community's biomass fuel consumption pattern. Wood consumption was highest (345 kg month⁻¹ household⁻¹) followed by agricultural residues (60 kg month⁻¹ household⁻¹), tree leaves (51 kg month⁻¹ household⁻¹) and cow dung (25 kg  month⁻¹ household⁻¹). Neighbouring forests of the sanctuary was the core source for wood fuel, with little or no reduction in the extraction even after joining the FUG. Twenty-two species, both indigenous and introduced, were preferred as wood fuel. None of the respondents were found willing to use ICS although 43% owned one; either as a status symbol or to meet the conditions of the FD for membership in FUG. Seven negative features of the disseminated ICS were identified by households, which made them unwilling to use them further. Manufacturing faults may be responsible for some ICS demerits, while the FD failed to convince the community of the benefits. A proper examination of the disseminated ICS efficacy is crucial, with active involvement of community members. The Sustainable Energy Triangle Strategy (SETS) could be implemented for this purpose. Findings of the study are of immense importance in designing a strategy for the introduction of ICS into Bangladesh.

Keywords:

• cooking stove
• biomass fuel
• climate change
• protected area
• Bangladesh

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Md. Abdul Halim, Abu Syed Arfin Khan and Md. Mostafizur Rahman for their active assistance during data collection. Thanks are extended to Md. Parvez Rana for supporting with additional data and information during various stages of this research. The authors acknowledge the Ministry of Science and Education, Japan for granting scholarship to support the research and study of the first author. Finally, they express the gratefulness to the editor and anonymous reviewers for their all-out cooperation throughout the publication processing of this article.