Innovative Heating Options for the Poor in Epworth

Abstract

This article explores the cooking options being resorted to by poor Epworth residents. The urban settlement of Epworth is a typical 'arrival city' that started off as a mission farm. The missionary owners gave out land to needy people until the settlement grew beyond their management capabilities at which stage, they surrendered it to the government in 1986. Despte the Zimbabwe government's documented heavy handedness towards unplanned settlements, Epworth became an exception as a decision was taken to upgrade it, rather than demolish existing stuctures. Epworth demonstrates typical global South urban challenges, such as poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty, informality and rapid population growth. The article uses secondary data sources but also gathered some primary  data through interviews and observing residents during periods they cook. With firewood becoming expensive and cleaner options, such as liquified petroleum gas and solar already beyond their reach, it is not easy for the poor Epworth residents. They are caught between a rock and a hard place.