Understanding the rural cooking energy acceptance behavior in Gandaki Province, Nepal: Evidence from logistic regression analysis

Rural cooking remains a critical issue in energy access and sustainability in developing countries. Despite significant policy efforts to expand clean energy access in Nepal, the continued reliance on traditional cooking fuels in rural areas highlights a critical gap in understanding the users' acceptance of renewable energy sources. This study provides empirical evidence on the socio-cultural and economic factors that influence household choices on cooking fuel options. It examined rural people's understanding of cooking energy sources, including renewable sources (electricity and biogas), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and firewood, in Gandaki Province, Nepal. The study employed the variables: reliability, cost and affordability, friendliness, health, environmental friendliness, time efficiency, accessibility, concern for safety, and food test. It has used a cross-sectional survey research design and binary logistic regression to assess the influence on rural people's preferences for cooking options. The study found that the firewood resource is perceived as cheaper, accessible, safer, and reliable, and is positively contributing to food testing. However, it is considered unhealthy, time-consuming, unfriendly, and environmentally adverse by rural users. Renewable energy, including biogas and electric cooking stoves, is perceived as a costly, unfriendly, risky, and unreliable source for cooking. Moreover, it is perceived as a healthy and environmentally friendly option. Additionally, LPG is perceived as expensive, unfriendly, poorly accessible, and unreliable energy source. However, it is perceived as a healthy, safe, time-saving, and environmentally friendly source by users. This study offers actionable and novel insights into rural households' acceptance of clean cooking by incorporating users' perspectives. The findings support the formulation of energy policies that address the actual needs and preferences of rural communities.