The impact of clean cooking energy on female employment in rural China

Abstract

This paper contributes to the existing research by investigating the causal effect of clean cooking energy on multiple employment outcomes for women in a rural developing context and the possible underlying mechanisms responsible for this relationship. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies between 2010 and 2020, we examine the impact of clean cooking energy on female employment in rural China. Results indicate a significant energy-related employment effect. We find an increase in non-farm employment participation among women in households that use clean energy for cooking. In particular, clean cooking energy is associated with a higher likelihood of women working in wage or full-time employment. The mechanism underlying the increase in female employment is that clean cooking energy leads to better health and a reduction in the prevalence of serious illness. Further evidence suggests that the effect on employment participation varies by women's age and family size. To improve the well-being of rural women in developing countries, this study emphasizes the necessity for policy support to increase access to clean energy for rural households. Our findings also highlight that vulnerable groups, such as older women, should be given more financial and technical support to participate in the clean energy transition process.