EVALUATING THE BENEFITS OF IMPROVED COOKSTOVES ON HOUSEHOLD WELL-BEING AND CARBON EMISSION REDUCTIONS IN RWANDA: EVIDENCE FROM THE PROJECT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT INTER-DIOCESAN SERVICE (RDIS)

Abstract

Improved cookstoves (ICS) are increasingly promoted as a sustainable solution to address household energy poverty, health risks associated with traditional biomass use, and climate change. However, empirical evidence linking household-level benefits with verified carbon emission reductions remains limited, particularly in developing countries. This study evaluates the benefits of the Carbon Emission Reduction for Self-Sustainable Environmental Care project implemented by the Rural Development Inter-Diocesan Service (RDIS) in Rwanda. This study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from a survey of 377 beneficiary households across Gisagara, Muhanga, Nyamagabe, and Rusizi districts with documentary evidence from project design documents, monitoring reports, Water Boiling Test (WBT) results, and Gold Standard verification reports. We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression in SPSS Version 29, and used documentary review to triangulate findings. The findings indicate that improved cookstove adoption significantly enhanced household wellbeing by reducing fuel consumption, lowering cooking-related expenditure, improving indoor air quality, and saving substantial time, particularly for women. The project also achieved high levels of sustained adoption, with 90.2% of households reporting consistent stove use and only 4.5% continuing to use traditional stoves. Regression results revealed that training, stove performance, fuel efficiency, and maintenance support significantly influenced wellbeing and environmental outcomes. Documentary evidence further confirmed verified emission reductions of 65,291 tCO₂e, demonstrating strong consistency between household experiences and Gold Standard carbon accounting assumptions. The study concludes that improved cookstove projects can advance household wellbeing and climate change mitigation simultaneously, highlighting their potential as effective interventions for sustainable rural development.