Traditional cooking practices remain a major source of household air pollution, health inequalities and environmental degradation across rural communities in the Global South. Despite the potential of improved cookstoves (ICS) to reduce harmful emissions and improve energy efficiency, affordability, accessibility and socio-cultural barriers continue to limit widespread adoption. This monograph examines these challenges through an evidence-based case study involving 1,200 households in Kericho County, Kenya. It explores the technological, economic and behavioural factors influencing clean cooking adoption, integrating engineering innovation, environmental health and community-led entrepreneurship.

Particular attention is given to the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), locally sourced materials, training women and youth, and revolving financing mechanisms to support affordable and sustainable clean cooking solutions. It also examines implications for public health, gender equity, environmental protection and climate resilience. Combining empirical evidence with practical implementation strategies, the book offers transferable insights for advancing equitable household energy transitions in resource-constrained communities. It will interest researchers, students, policymakers and practitioners working in sustainable energy, environmental health, rural development and clean cooking innovation.

Obuks Ejohwomu is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Sustainable Built Environment and Project Management at the University of Manchester, UK. He is the Founder of the Future Built Environment Research Group and Director of the SQUARE research consortium. His interdisciplinary research focuses on household air pollution, clean cooking technologies, sustainable buildings, decarbonisation and climate-health interactions, with particular emphasis on innovation and community-centred solutions in the Global South. He has led international research initiatives on clean cooking and household energy transitions in Kenya. He is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology and serves on the editorial board of Building and Environment.