Why is an ISEC worth it?

Quick background:

There is an estimated 17 million people in Cameroon that cook with biomass. Around 6% of all deaths in Cameroon are caused by the indoor burning of biofuels due to smoke inhalation. Biomass use harms the environment and puts women at risk of assault. Our research aims to reduce these risks.

Benefits:

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Unlike traditional cooking methods that produce harmful emissions, ISE cooking emits no smoke or indoor air pollutants, leading to improved indoor air quality and reduced health risks for households, particularly for women and children who are often exposed to indoor smoke

Clean Energy: ISE cooking utilizes renewable solar energy, reducing reliance on polluting fuels like charcoal and firewood.

Forest Conservation: With less need for firewood, ISE cooking helps preserve Cameroon's forests.

Safety: ISE cooking eliminates the dangers of indoor fires and burns, making households safer, especially for children.

Resilience: Solar cooking is not affected by fuel shortages, making it reliable even in remote areas or during emergencies.

Drawbacks:

Initial Cost: While solar cookers can lead to long-term cost savings, the initial investment in purchasing a solar cooker may be prohibitive for some households, particularly those with limited financial resources.

Cooking Time: Solar cooking can take longer than traditional cooking methods. This may require households to plan meals in advance or adjust cooking times accordingly.

Cooking Capacity: Solar cookers typically have limited cooking capacities compared to traditional stoves, which may pose challenges for households with high cooking demands.

Technological Limitations: Some solar cookers may require specific cooking techniques, which may require users to adapt their cooking practices and habits.

Perception and Cultural Acceptance: Solar cooking may face resistance or skepticism from communities accustomed to traditional cooking methods, requiring education and outreach efforts to promote acceptance and adoption.