Socioeconomic Determinants of Household Cooking Energy Choices in Mtendere Lusaka, Zambia

Purpose: The study aimed to identify the key socioeconomic determinants influencing household cooking energy choices in Mtendere, with particular emphasis on income, education, household size and cultural preferences. Methodology: A mixed-methods design was used, combining quantitative data from structured Likert-scale questionnaires with qualitative insights from interviews. The study adopted a cross-sectional approach and targeted 395 households. Primary data were gathered through surveys and interviews, while secondary data came from journals and reports. Findings: The study established that 92.4% of households rely primarily on charcoal for cooking, while 50.1% engage in fuel stacking. Around 78% experience more than 18 hours of power outages per day. Nearly half of the households (47.8%) earn between ZMW 1,001-3,000 monthly, and 50.4% spend ZMW 101-300 on cooking fuel. Income, education, household size, and cultural norms emerged as the major determinants of cooking energy choices. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study highlights how socioeconomic realities and cultural practices jointly shape energy choices in low-income urban settings. It provides evidence-based guidance for policy by recommending awareness campaigns on the health and environmental risks of charcoal, financial incentives such as subsidies, and improved infrastructure for electricity and LPG access. It also offers practical direction by emphasizing community engagement, culturally grounded interventions, fuel-efficiency technologies, diversification of energy options, and regular monitoring to support a gradual shift toward clean cooking solutions.