Indoor Air Pollution in Ethiopia

Like most of Sub-Saharan Africa, homes in both urban and rural areas of Ethiopia and Madagascar are reliant on traditional biomass fuels to meet their household energy needs. Studies in both countries have shown extremely high levels of indoor particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) in these biomass dependant households. Recent studies with bioethanol stoves in these countries have shown that the opportunity exists to reduce the levels of these health-damaging pollutants to and below the ambitious target levels set by the WHO. Meanwhile, qualitative data show that women would switch to cleaner fuels such as bioethanol if these fuels were available and priced affordably. 

One study to be discussed explores the high levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide on homes of women living in Addis Ababa. These women cook with firewood as the main source of fuel. Qualitative research shows that with the economic power, women would prefer to switch to a cleaner fuel.