Exploring Fuel Stacking And Clean Fuel Access In Rural Areas Of Pakistan: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Providing clean energy resources in developing countries is a challenge due to limited economic opportunities. This paper examines the challenges and implications of household fuel use in developing countries, with a focus on rural areas of Pakistan. The study explores the concept of fuel stacking, where households utilize multiple fuel sources, including traditional fuels, despite improvements in income. The research highlights the health effects associated with different fuel types and emphasizes the importance of transitioning to cleaner alternatives. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the topic by drawing insights from various studies conducted in different countries, including Guatemala, Turkey, Tanzania, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This study's main purpose is to evaluate this so-called energy mix as well as the health effects of households' experience with using various fuels. So, the present study was completely based on the fuel-stacking framework and examined why women's fuel-consuming attitudes remain the same even after household economic improvement and the effects of traditional fuel on their health. Fuel-stacking is a common practice and the dominant reason was cultural barriers of the families and traditional stoves usage. This paper contributes to the existing literature on household fuel use by providing a comprehensive review of theory, evidence, and interventions related to the topic. It underscores the need for improved exposure assessment, behavioral and nutritional interventions, and governance interventions to promote the use of cleaner and sustainable energy sources.