Clean Cooking and Agroforestry: A Dual Strategy for Climate Action and Health in Kenya

This research investigates how advancing locally favored Clean Cooking Technologies (CCTs)—both alone and alongside NutriFuel Agroforestry (NFA)—affects climate mitigation and health in Laikipia and Kiambu counties, Kenya. Despite their health advantages, CCT adoption remains low, with continued “stacking” of multiple fuel and stove types undercutting potential benefits. The study proposes that combining agroforestry with a variety of CCTs will increase adoption, lessen household air pollution, improve nutrition, and amplify climate benefits through enhanced carbon sequestration and reduced emissions. A 90-village cluster-randomized trial will assess impacts on indoor air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, respiratory health, carbon sequestration, and nutrition. Led by World Agroforestry (ICRAF) in partnership with MECS (Loughborough University), GAMOS East Africa, APHRC, and the University of Nairobi, the project aims to devise comprehensive, socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable interventions. The team will test integrated CCT-NFA systems, develop equitable and viable financing mechanisms—including Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) models—and translate findings into actionable policy recommendations. Ultimately, results will guide national and regional scaling strategies, supporting progress toward Sustainable Development Goals related to food security, health, climate action, and energy access. This integrated, evidence-based initiative tackles interconnected challenges through innovation and policy engagement.