Like many other developing countries, Nigeria relies heavily on traditional cooking methods such as firewood and charcoal to prepare meals. Although these methods have been used for generations, they also come at a significant cost to both the environment and human health. In fact, traditional cooking methods in Nigeria are a major contributor to carbon emissions, with adverse effects on climate and health. The development of improved cookstoves offers a ray of hope in addressing the adverse effects of traditional cooking methods on the environment and human health in Nigeria. By leveraging technology, these cookstoves have the potential to reduce the impact of carbon emissions, providing a sustainable alternative for cooking that is both healthy and environmentally friendly.
According to data from Knoema, a leading data platform, Nigeria’s CO2 emissions in 2021 reached 127 million tonnes, and while there have been fluctuations in recent years, there has been a general upward trend from 1972 to 2021, culminating in the 127 million tonnes of CO2 emitted in 2021. One of the major contributors to global carbon emissions in Nigeria is the burning of wood and charcoal, which releases greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Cooking with firewood and charcoal alone is estimated to be responsible for up to 20% of global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to the problem of climate change. According to the World Health Organisation, kitchen smoke is responsible for an estimated 93,300 deaths in Nigeria every year, making it one of the leading causes of death in the country, after malaria and HIV/AIDS.
However, by introducing clean and efficient cookstoves, the amount of fuelwood and charcoal required for cooking can be significantly reduced. This, in turn, leads to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality, making them more efficient and healthier for both the environment and the people using them. Additionally, the use of clean cookstoves can also help to reduce deforestation, as fewer trees are needed to produce fuelwood. Thus, this can help to protect Nigeria’s forests and the biodiversity they support, while also reducing carbon emissions.
The use of clean and efficient cookstoves is an important step towards reducing carbon emissions in Nigeria. Not only does it promote sustainable development, but it also improves the health and well-being of communities. Therefore, it is crucial that these measures are implemented in order to mitigate the harmful effects of CO2 emissions and work towards a more sustainable future. Overall, while clean cookstoves offer many benefits, their adoption can be challenging due to these and other limitations. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote awareness, improve access to financing and fuel, and provide training and support for maintenance and repair.
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