Impact assessment of clean cookstove intervention in Gujarat, India: a potential case for corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding

Exposure to indoor air pollutants released from traditional cookstoves in rural Indian households is a matter of great concern. While there are various studies over several decades focused towards intervention strategies for reducing air pollutants, limited literature exists towards the identification of appropriate methodology for feasible intervention, adoption and usage of improved cookstoves (ICS). In the present study, PM2.5 and CO microenvironment concentrations are estimated in households using traditional and improved cookstove (NEERDHUR). The reduction in PM2.5 and CO microenvironment concentrations after the introduction of ICS was found to be 89-94% and 35-57%, respectively. Information-education-communication (IEC) activity was used as a tool to increase the adoption and usage rate in the ICS using households. The cost-benefit analysis was also performed to check the benefits of ICS use, and the benefit-cost ratio was found to be 3 to 4 times. Findings of the study suggest that, although the ICS intervention could significantly improve the indoor air quality, however, it fails to comply with the permissible safe limits; further focus on greener fuels and ventilation characteristics is suggested. The outcomes from the study can help decision-makers, corporate social responsibility fund mobilizers and policymakers for effective policy advocacy to design efforts by promoting clean cooking interventions and linking and mapping these with national missions and flagship programs.