Improving health in Rwanda by promoting solar and natural gas energy use
Sustainable Household Energy Adoption in Rwanda (SHEAR): Promoting Rural Health with Solar and Natural Gas
This study is looking at how using cleaner energy sources like solar and natural gas can improve health for families in rural Rwanda who currently rely on wood and charcoal, and it’s designed to help make these healthier options more accessible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10838447 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of adopting sustainable household energy sources, such as solar and natural gas, on health outcomes in rural Rwanda. By conducting a randomized controlled trial, the project aims to address the pervasive issue of household air pollution caused by traditional fuels like wood and charcoal. The study will involve forming public-private partnerships to facilitate access to cleaner energy technologies, ultimately aiming to improve the overall health and well-being of households in the region.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are households in rural Rwanda that currently rely on traditional energy sources for cooking, heating, and lighting.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in rural Rwanda or those who already have access to clean energy sources may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce health risks associated with household air pollution and improve the quality of life for families in Rwanda.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions promoting cleaner household energy can lead to improved health outcomes, although this approach of focusing on total household energy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Maggie Lynn — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Clark, Maggie Lynn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.