A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE UTILIZATION AND ECONOMICS OF THE TRADITIONAL AND THE IMPROVED-BIOMASS WOODCHARCOAL COOKSTOVES

 By Salvacion H. Belonio, MBA

 ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to compare the utilization and economics of the traditional and the improved-biomass woodcharcoal cookstoves.  The study is primarily a comparative type of research design.  The participants were the 64 respondents who are using woodcharcoal cookstoves as the main cooking device for their family.  The information needed were collected using a questionnaire, which consists of the following items:  (a) design, (b) operation, and (c) economics of using the stoves.  Data gathered were processed with the use of a computer and were analyzed using SPSS version 11.  Analysis of the data includes both descriptive analysis (i.e., frequency, percentages, mean, and Cramer’s V) and inferential analysis (i.e., chi-square).  Economics of using the stoves was also determined by analyzing the operating costs.  Highlight of the findings are:  the improved cookstove has better design and operation features than the traditional stove; economic analysis showed that the improved cookstove has lesser operating cost that the tradition, with a difference of P5.00 per hour in favor of the improved one; and because of these considerations, utilization of the improved cookstove is more preferred over the traditional.  Based on the foregoing findings, it is concluded that the improved cookstove has better design and operation features than the traditional.  It has also lesser operating cost and is more preferred over the traditional.