Abstract
Access to clean cooking fuels is vital for public health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the key barriers to adopting clean cooking fuels in Ghana and Kenya, asking. Despite progress in urban areas toward liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, rural households remain reliant on biomass fuels like wood and charcoal, leading to indoor air pollution and environmental harm. This dependence imposes significant costs, estimated at $18 billion annually in Ghana and $39 billion in Kenya. To address these challenges, targeted policy interventions—such as expanding LPG infrastructure, providing financial subsidies, and implementing culturally sensitive awareness campaigns—are essential. This study enhances understanding of Africa’s energy transition by highlighting the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of clean cooking adoption, supporting efforts for equitable access to sustainable energy solutions.
