STUDY ON THE MARKET POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVED COOK STOVES IN KINSHASA, DRC, April 2010. ProBEC.
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The main objective of the study was to provide essential information and data to government authorities and development partners with a view to promote and popularise the utilization of improved stoves in Kinshasa. Kinshasa has an estimated population of ten million inhabitants. Earlier studies show that the potential market for improved stoves is about 1 351 351 items that can be sold per year (Zins; Kambale‐Katahwa and CATEB). There thus is a clear economic opportunity for such stoves.
A descriptive survey was conducted in 24 municipalities in Kinshasa, both urban and rural. 5400 households were randomly selected and surveyed by a total of 24 trained interviewers. Roughly 225 households were visited in each municipality. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect data. Data was collected through: i) a review of strategic documents, records and papers, ii) general observation, iii) one‐on‐one interviews, iv) focus group discussions. Data was processed, tabulated, and analyzed with both Access and SPSS and the results are presented in the form of a descriptive analysis.
Within the study period, several artisans and stoves users were interviewed, and 35 people participated in three sessions of focus groups discussion. A literature review provided further information and context.
In Kinshasa, electricity is the main energy source in 58% of households, followed by kerosene (20%) then charcoal (15%) and finally wood (9%). 61% of respondents rely on traditional/classical stoves for everyday cooking. The average household size in Kinshasa ranges from six to 10 people.
Improved stoves are manufactured in different areas in Kinshasa, but the production still remains very limited. Generally, 45% of improved stoves are purchased at the place where they are manufactured, and 40% are bought by housewives from a salesperson conducting door‐to‐door sales. Thus, only 14 % of these improved stoves were found in local markets. 88% of housewives who regularly used improved stoves recognized their energy efficiency, and 85% of them noticed a decrease of nearly 25% in their domestic energy expenditure. In Kinshasa, domestic energy expenditure varies according to household size and revenue. In 52% of households, the monthly average expenditure on domestic energy was 15,000 Congolese francs (18U$). Of this, 95% represents the use of charcoal. Domestic energy amounts to between 10 and 15% of total household expenses.
