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 help improve health and reduce air pollution in rural Rwanda, especially for families who currently rely on wood and charcoal for cooking.
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-11061542 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of adopting sustainable household energy sources, such as solar and natural gas, in rural Rwanda. It aims to reduce household air pollution, which is a significant health risk, by replacing traditional fuels like wood and charcoal. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of these energy sources in improving health outcomes and reducing emissions. By forming public-private partnerships, the research seeks to overcome barriers to accessing cleaner energy technologies.
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 and heating.
Not a fit: Patients who already use clean energy sources or live in urban areas with access to modern energy solutions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for families in Rwanda by reducing exposure to harmful household air pollution.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that transitioning to cleaner household energy sources can lead to improved health outcomes, although this approach of comprehensive energy adoption 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.