Performance Evaluation of Biomass Cookstoves Using Agricultural Waste in Kaduna State Households

Indoor air pollution from traditional open-fire cooking methods continues to pose severe health risks to household members across rural northern Nigeria, with women and children bearing the greatest burden. This study evaluates the thermal performance and emission characteristics of three biomass cookstove designs fuelled by agricultural waste materials commonly available in Kaduna State, including groundnut shells, maize cobs, and rice husks. The cookstoves, comprising a traditional three-stone fire, a locally improved clay stove, and a metal rocket stove, were subjected to standardised water boiling tests conducted at a controlled indoor test facility. Performance indicators measured included thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, time to boil, and firepower. Particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions were recorded using portable monitoring equipment. Results showed that the rocket stove achieved the highest thermal efficiency of 34 percent, compared to 18 percent and 22 percent for the three-stone fire and clay stove respectively. Emission levels from the rocket stove were 62 percent lower for carbon monoxide relative to the traditional design. Cost-benefit analysis indicated that households adopting the rocket stove could reduce monthly fuel expenditure by approximately 40 percent. The study recommends scaling up production and distribution of improved cookstoves across rural Kaduna communities through cooperative artisan networks. Keywords: biomass cookstove, agricultural waste, thermal efficiency, indoor air pollution, Kaduna State.