Determinants of Transition to Electric Cooking in Rural Nepal: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The transition to electric cooking is pivotal for advancing sustainable household cooking energy and mitigating the significant environmental and health impacts associated with traditional fuels. This synthesis paper employs a comprehensive theoretical lens to examine the shift toward electric cooking technologies in rural Nepal, engaging key frameworks including Diffusion of Innovation theory, transition theory, social construction of technology, the multi-level perspective, the theory of planned behavior, the technology acceptance model, and social practice theory. By integrating these perspectives, the paper analyzes the complex interplay of technological innovation, individual behavior, and broader systemic change. It further incorporates the Energy Justice Framework and situates its analysis within the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate action). The study identifies critical drivers and barriers influencing adoption and proposes a conceptual framework to visualize these interconnected dynamics. Findings underscore the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to accelerate access to electric cooking, offering actionable implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. By bridging insights from energy transitions, behavioral science, and justice studies, this paper contributes to a holistic understanding of electric cooking adoption in rural contexts and strengthens the evidence base supporting global sustainability objectives.