Access Vs Adoption – The Role of Supply Chain

The supply chain is crucial for electric cooking’s success, involving efficient manufacturing and distribution of high-quality appliances, reliable logistics to reach remote areas, and informed retailers. Effective after-sales service fosters trust and adoption. A stable electricity supply and robust grid are essential to handle increased demand, while supportive government policies can incentivize manufacturers, enforce quality standards, and promote clean energy cooking, driving the growth of electric cooking. (eCooking: Challenges and Opportunities from a Consumer Behaviour Perspective, by Jon Leary, Bridget Menyeh, Vimbai Chapungu & Karin Troncoso)1 “Access Vs Adoption – The Role of Supply Chain in Electric Cooking highlights the critical distinction between merely having access to electric cooking machines and actually embracing them as a viable cooking solution. This dichotomy is essential to understand, as it underscores the complexities of transitioning from traditional cooking methods to electric cooking.

Access refers to the physical availability of electric cooking appliances, including the necessary infrastructure such as a reliable electricity supply. It means that consumers can purchase and acquire these products, but it does not guarantee their usage. In other words, access is about having the opportunity to adopt electric cooking, but it does not ensure that households will actually make the switch. Adoption, on the other hand, signifies the actual use of electric cooking technologies by households. It is the culmination of various factors, including affordability, cultural preferences, awareness, trust, and convenience, which collectively influence a household’s decision to adopt electric cooking. Adoption is a more nuanced concept, as it requires a willingness to change cooking habits, overcome potential barriers, and integrate electric cooking into daily life.

The supply chain plays a vital role in bridging the gap between access and adoption. A well-functioning supply chain can ensure that electric cooking appliances are widely available, affordable, and supported by reliable after-sales services. By addressing the challenges associated with access and adoption, the supply chain can facilitate a seamless transition to electric cooking, ultimately driving increased uptake and usage of these technologies.  In Sub-Saharan Africa, the eCooking supply chain is generally weak, with South Africa being an exception. Tanzania needs a stronger local supply chain, while Kenya’s Results-Based Financing (RBF) initiative aims to boost it through bulk appliance purchases. In South and Southeast Asia, including India, the eCooking supply chain is more developed but faces challenges in remote areas. Nepal’s micro hydro mini-grids struggle with high-quality, locally available appliances, leading to costly imports. Cambodia’s poor road infrastructure and after-sales support issues, such as the lack of spare parts, hinder distribution and customer satisfaction. Effective infrastructure and reliable after-sales support are crucial for enhancing eCooking supply chains and ensuring customer satisfaction.1 According to ESMAP2, building a new supply chain from scratch can be daunting, but eCooking presents a unique opportunity to tap into the existing supply chains of electricity service providers, such as utilities, mini-grid developers, and Solar Home System (SHS) distributors. These providers have already established strong customer relationships and developed robust supply chains for importing, distributing, storing, and servicing hardware. While their primary focus is electricity supply, many have expanded into appliance sales to stimulate electricity demand, including eCooking appliances. Notably, these electricity suppliers are more likely to offer quality-assured appliances and reliable after-sales support, as they have a vested interest in maintaining ongoing electricity sales. (ESMAP. Cooking with Electricity: A Cost Perspective; World Bank Group: Washington, DC, USA, 2020.)2

Despite widespread electricity access, about 1.7 billion people still cook with traditional biomass fuels, even though only 0.86 billion lack electricity. In Asia, where electricity access rose from 67% in 2000 to 94% in 2018, adoption of electric cooking remains low due to barriers such as high connection fees, affordability issues, and weak supply chains. Biomass stoves are often cheaper or free, while grid connection costs are high, especially in rural areas. Urban areas face problems with shared meters and power theft. Additionally, concerns about appliance quality, faults, and inadequate after-sales service contribute to the limited use of electric cooking. (Battery-supported eCooking: A transformative opportunity for 2.6 billion people who still cook with biomass by Jon Leary, Matthew Leach, Simon Batchelor, Nigel Scott, Ed Brown)3 The supply chain for eCooking, encounters several significant challenges. Firstly, reliable electricity is crucial for eCooking; unstable power supplies significantly hinder adoption and reduce the feasibility of electric cooking appliances The high cost of eCooking appliances is a major obstacle, making them unaffordable for many low-income households and limiting access for those who would benefit most. The complexity of the supply chain further complicates the situation. The journey from manufacturing to distribution involves multiple stages, each of which can impact the others. Disruptions at any point in the supply chain can lead to delays, increased costs, or shortages, making the appliances less available and more expensive. Sustainability is another critical concern. There is a growing need to ensure that the materials used in electric cooking appliances are sourced responsibly and that the appliances themselves are designed to be energy-efficient. Addressing these sustainability issues is important for minimizing the environmental impact of eCooking. Lastly, consumer awareness and acceptance are vital. Educating consumers about the benefits of electric cooking and persuading them to transition from traditional cooking methods can be challenging. Many individuals may be unaware of the advantages or may be hesitant to adopt new technologies. To overcome these challenges, coordinated efforts from governments, manufacturers, and communities are essential.

A robust supply chain is crucial for widespread eCooking access, ensuring efficient distribution of clean cookstoves and cookware while keeping costs low. Effective coordination among manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers ensures product availability. The supply chain also drives consumer awareness through marketing and educational efforts. Reliable after-sales support, including service centres and trained technicians, is essential for maintenance. Adapting to new technologies and consumer feedback helps continually enhance products. Innovative technologies such as IoT and blockchain are enhancing supply chains by providing real-time data for maintenance and product refinement, and ensuring material authenticity and sustainability. These advancements optimize product delivery and support sustainability, making supply chains crucial for expanding clean cooking technologies. By overcoming logistical challenges, these technologies improve cooking practices and the quality of life for many households. (Finovista)4 New opportunities for electric cooking are emerging as a cost-effective, practical solution to the global challenges of clean cooking and electrification.  The transformative potential of eCooking is gaining momentum for its environmental and social benefits. However, addressing cultural cooking practices and supply chain challenges is crucial for widespread impact. The Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme aims to pilot and scale innovative eCooking services. A strong supply chain is essential for broad adoption, ensuring efficient management and delivery of devices, making eCooking viable for more households.