A comprehensive review on small-scale combustion technologies in Southern Africa, what is known, done and emergent knowledge gaps?

This is a review paper written with the intention to shed light on continued reliance on high polluting energy sources in the Southern Africa. In developing countries the use of low cost fuels including coal, wood, pellets, charcoal and cow dung remains an obstacle in ensuring the right to clean air. In this study, several stove to fuel combustion technologies researches, were reviewed for similarities/ commonalities and differences. The review highlights on critical health and environmental effects associated with burning of solid fuels using inefficient cookstoves. The review deepens the understanding on various clean energy interventions and policy formulation in several countries within the Southern Africa Development Communities (SADC) region. Studies indicated the development of stove alone will not be enough in enhancing or reducing air pollution, but emphasis shall be put on stove to fuel combination. Findings also suggest a lack of clear or practical policy intervention to restore household indoor air quality, while single policy intervention proven inadequate in many studies. In sub-Saharan region, policy intervention focuses on energy switch thus from traditional solid fuels to modern energy resources namely electricity and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). This approach is not feasible given the difficulties in electricity generation and supply system, housing infrastructure and cost implication. In conclusion, policies which support energy stacking present a viable solution to improved indoor air quality.