The role of social relations in the adoption of improved cookstoves

The study compares two different implementers of improved biomass-powered cookstoves in Kenya to determine how social relations and specific behaviour change techniques (BCTs) affect adoption rates. It finds that an implementer who targeted existing social groups with shared identities and provided ongoing post-sales support achieved significantly higher user satisfaction and a 'social multiplier effect,' where users recruited new users outside the original target groups.

• The implementer who utilized existing social networks and provided continuous support achieved higher adoption and satisfaction. Implementer B, a local NGO, saw 100% satisfaction with the stove and 85% satisfaction with the implementer, whereas Implementer A, an international social enterprise, saw 65% and 67% satisfaction respectively.
• Post-sale contact is a critical driver of user satisfaction. In Group A, 15 users reported no contact with the implementer after purchase, often due to missing contact information, while all users in Group B remained in regular contact through visits to women's self-help groups.
• Targeting groups with a shared identity, such as women's self-help groups, enhances social support and adoption. This strategy allows implementers to leverage established networks where members can exchange experiences and provide peer support.
• Behaviour change techniques can create a 'social multiplier effect,' where initial adopters recruit new users beyond the implementer's original target market. Users of Implementer B reported 32 peers adopting the stoves, compared to only three for Implementer A.
• The use of microfinance through self-help groups serves as an effective 'reward and threat' BCT by reducing the barrier of high acquisition costs and providing a structured mechanism for ongoing interaction between the implementer and the user.

APA

Vulturius, G., & Wanjiru, H. (2017). The role of social relations in the adoption of improved cookstoves. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-WP-2017-01-social-relations-cookstove-low.pdf

Chicago

Vulturius, Gregor, and Hannah Wanjiru. The role of social relations in the adoption of improved cookstoves. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2017. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-WP-2017-01-social-relations-cookstove-low.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Vulturius |first1=Gregor |last2=Wanjiru |first2=Hannah |title=The role of social relations in the adoption of improved cookstoves |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=January 2017 |url=https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-WP-2017-01-social-relations-cookstove-low.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{vulturius2017role, author = {Vulturius, Gregor and Wanjiru, Hannah}, title = {{The role of social relations in the adoption of improved cookstoves}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2017}, month = jan, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-WP-2017-01-social-relations-cookstove-low.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }