Development aid and the diffusion of technology: Improved cookstoves in Kenya and Rwanda. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tigabu, Aschalew; Berkhout, Frans; van Beukering, Pieter
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 102(2017)
• Page Start: 593
• Page End: 601
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Official Development Assistance (ODA) -- Renewable energy -- Technological innovation systems -- Functions approach to innovation systems -- Cookstoves -- Africa; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.12.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: This paper analyses the role of official development assistance (ODA) in the evolution of Technological Innovation Systems (TISs) of improved cookstoves in Kenya and Rwanda. Functionally balanced TISs are central to the diffusion of new technologies and practices. We find that ODA has significantly influenced major innovation activities related to improved cookstoves in both Kenya and Rwanda over the last 30 years. However, donors' funding has been focused mainly on the development and diffusion of technical knowledge. We find that this pattern of ODA support has not fostered balanced and effective Technology Innovation Systems, and that this has contributed to the failure to achieve widespread diffusion of improved cookstoves. We develop a quasi-evolutionary model for the long-term and systematic ODA support of innovation systems to build sustainable renewable energy TISs in developing countries. Highlights: We report the role of aid in the evolution of cookstove innovation systems in Kenya and Rwanda. We show that aid was mainly focused on two functions over time, overlooking other functions Aid has failed to foster the development of balanced innovation systems in the studied cases. This is associated with low level of diffusion of improved cookstoves in Kenya and Rwanda. A conceptual proposal for effective aid interventions is provided.