Participatory rural insights into fuel stacking behavior: A case from rural Rajasthan

This study investigates the persistent practice of fuel stacking—using both clean and traditional fuels—in Harirampura, a rural village in Rajasthan, despite widespread access to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Using a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approach, this research explores the complex socioeconomic, cultural, and gendered dimensions influencing household energy choices. Tools such as resource mapping, seasonal calendars, focus group discussions, and problem tree analysis were employed to capture community voices and contextual realities. The findings reveal that economic vulnerability, seasonal income fluctuations, cultural food preferences, and institutional shortcomings contribute to continued reliance on biomass alongside LPG. Women, as primary cooks and fuel gatherers, bear disproportionate health and time burdens because of this dual fuel use. The study emphasizes the limitations of access-focused policies and calls for localized, gender-sensitive, and community-informed strategies to achieve a meaningful transition to clean cooking. These insights contribute to India’s broader efforts to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, and 7.