The Decision to Switch to Alternative Cooking Energy in Maputo City: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

The article focuses on a study investigating the factors influencing Maputo citizens' decisions to switch from traditional cooking fuels to clean, alternative cooking energies, using Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Analyzing about 300 survey responses through structural equation modeling, the study found that perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor of both intention and actual behavior to adopt alternative cooking fuels, alongside positive attitudes and supportive subjective norms. The findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize raising awareness of the benefits of clean cooking energy, improving financial accessibility, and providing education on safe usage to encourage a sustainable energy transition in Maputo. The study also highlights challenges such as fuel stacking behaviors, cultural preferences, and affordability, emphasizing the need for context-specific strategies and further research in Mozambique and similar developing contexts.