A novel framework for the simultaneous assessment and uptake of clean cooking technologies by food processing enterprises

Abstract

Efforts to spread clean cooking technologies (CCT) have been impeded, and adoption rates in many emerging economies are estimated to be relatively low. Myriad factors are related to this issue, particularly among food processing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMFPEs) in Ghana. In this study, end users' requirements (C) are correlated with engineering characteristics (E) to increase the quality of CCT for rapid uptake by the SMFPEs using a hybrid Multi-Tier Framework and Quality Function Deployment approach. Both requirements were: E1 = Cooking exposure, E2 = Cook stove Efficiency, E3 = Convenience, E4 = Safety, E5 = Affordability, E6 = Fuel availability, CT = tripod stove, C1 = LPG, C2 = Electric stove, C3 = Gel stove, C4 = Biogas stove, C5 = Charcoal stove). According to the study's findings, the CCT's ability to handle the weight of their meals, reduce smoke emissions, sustain local kitchen ergonomics, and improved cooking time were the top design requirements from end-users. This means that stoves that meet their criteria would be easily adopted by them for use. Hence, manufacturers and investors may benefit from the findings of this novel study to provide result-based solutions where it matters.