Experiences and challenges of electric pressure cooking in rural mini grid communities of Malawi with insights from the Bondo Community

Abstract

Access to clean cooking remains a very large challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa despite some growth in rural electrification. This study qualitatively examined household adoption of electric cooking through the introduction of electric pressure cookers in the Bondo Community of southern Malawi, a rural area served by a hydro mini grid. Data were collected through cooking demonstrations, household surveys, focus group discussions, interviews, and direct observations, and analysed using narrative thematic analysis supported by descriptive profiling. Findings show that electric pressure cookers (EPCs) were valued for their convenience, efficiency, and potential to reduce reliance on firewood. The use of EPCs also promoted gender inclusion in cooking, which had previously been performed only by women. It also improved households' social status. However, adoption was constrained by the unreliable electricity supply, frequent outages, low voltages, and the high cost of appliances. Although only about half of the distributed cookers were used regularly, households reported faster cooking, lower fuel expenditure, and improved food quality. The study demonstrates that sustained adoption of electric cooking in rural mini-grid contexts requires a reliable power supply and supportive financing mechanisms. Integrating clean cooking solutions into rural electrification planning can improve both household welfare and mini-grid viability, thereby advancing progress toward SDG 7 on universal access to modern energy. • Unreliable rural mini-grids are the main barrier to electric cooking adoption. • Electric pressure cookers lower firewood use and promote gender inclusion in cooking. • Community demonstrations and peer learning increase trust and adoption rates. • Appliance affordability requires financing mechanisms for rural households. • Integrating cooking into electrification planning improves mini-grid load factors.