100-MILLION IMPROVED COOKSTOVES IN CHINA - HOW WAS IT DONE

The Chinese National Improved Stove Program introduced some 129 million improved stoves into rural areas during 1982-92, mostly biomass cookstoves, but also including coal and spaceheating stoves in some areas. Although there were problems with quality control and durability, particularly near the beginning, more than two-thirds of these stoves seem still to be in use. Based in part on a short survey in several parts of China, this paper examines in detail how the Chinese program was organized and funded. It draws lessons for other countries concerned with rural energy and makes suggestions for the future direction of the Chinese program.