School cooking transitions to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Rwanda: A qualitative study of end user perspectives

Résumé fourni par la source

Introduction School meals in low- and middle-income African settings are often prepared on polluting biomass stoves. Conversions to transitional clean fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) could provide health and economic benefits, but little is known about end-user perspectives in school settings. This study explored the perspectives of cooks and school leaders on the cooking transition in Rwandan schools. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 34) were conducted across 2024 and 2025 with cooks and school leaders from 17 boarding schools that transitioned from firewood to LPG under a government-led programme. Interviews took place 20 to 41 months after transition. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results All schools reported using the LPG stoves, whilst also continuing to use firewood. Participants viewed LPG positively but indicated they would not have adopted it without the external programme. Reduced smoke was a central theme, with respondents linking LPG to cleaner kitchens and less smoke-related health concerns. LPG reduced the physical demands of cooking and saved time. Practical challenges included the limited cooking capacity of LPG equipment provided, difficulties preparing certain foods, and pot-handling, likely due to limited involvement of end users in the early stages of designing the intervention. Fluctuating gas refill prices and inconsistent supply remained challenging for continued use. Initial safety concerns were common, but training and routine use increased confidence. Conclusions This research reveals important lessons for optimising institutional clean cooking scale-up. Measures that ensure fuel affordability, reliable delivery, appropriately sized and high-quality equipment, and staff training are essential for exclusive and sustained clean fuel use. Rwanda's experience offers insights for other countries pursuing similar transitions.

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