It’s important to do your homework before launching a new business venture. What are the market conditions that may influence your success or failure? What type of product do your customers want? The same goes for the promotion of affordable, low-carbon technologies in new markets. What information is needed to help them take off?
A recent market study conducted by GERES with support from Emerging Market Consulting (EMC) and Nexus assesses how clean cookstoves could succeed in Myanmar. The Myanmar Cookstove Market Assessment looked at seven regions within the country, taking care to note key differences in urban and rural areas. The research focused on fuel usage and trends, the existing cookstove industry, health, social and environmental impacts, consumer assessment, and the policy environment.
This assessment was complemented by a separate study by the International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy (ENERGIA). As wood gathering and cooking duties are largely divided along gender lines, understanding this context is critical in developing a sustainable market.
There are two million potential cookstove customers in Myanmar who could benefit from fuel savings, improved air quality, and reduced local environmental impacts. This new research will help inform the development of a local industry and make cleaner cooking a reality.