The high cost of slaving over a hot stove

The article discusses the severe health and environmental issues caused by indoor air pollution in Africa and south-east Asia, particularly from the use of biomass for cooking and heating. It highlights the alarming number of deaths, especially among women and children, due to pollutants from burning firewood and charcoal. The piece references various reports and studies, including those by the WHO, UNEP, and Curtin University, to underline the gravity of the situation. It also explores the efforts to combat this issue, such as the introduction of fuel-efficient cookstoves and the adoption of biogas technology. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, including changing traditional behaviors and the low uptake of biogas projects. The article emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions to address the health hazards and environmental impact of traditional cooking methods.

A conflict of interest

The article discusses the complex relationship between traditional leadership and multiparty governance in Zimbabwe, highlighting the accusations against traditional leaders for being partisan in elections and favoring the ruling party, ZANU-PF. It outlines the constitutional role of traditional leaders and the challenges in enforcing their neutrality. The article references the involvement of traditional leaders in the 2023 elections, where they were accused of intimidation and coercion. It also mentions a High Court judgment banning traditional leaders from partisan politics and the differing opinions on their role in politics. The article further discusses the development role of traditional leaders and the need for realignment of the Traditional Leaders Act to the Constitution, as well as the establishment of an Integrity and Ethics Committee for traditional leaders.