Solar cookers in developing countries

Ferdinand Kroon In the 70ties deforestation in developing countries was mainly attributed to the use of firewood in domestic energy supply. In many developing countries the majority of the population cooks on firewood. In response, many (Western) organisations developed new technology like improved versions of traditional cook stoves, biogas plants and solar cookers. While in urban areas the commercial market for wood and charcoal is directly linked to deforestation in these regions, household firewood use is no longer seen as a major cause for deforestation in rural areas. This, and the failure of many solar cooking projects have resulted in reduction of subsidies by local governments (like India who has the largest number of solar cookers), international donors and NGO’s. However, many (small) Western NGO’s are still very dedicated to the goal of introducing solar cookers in developing countries.