Impact Case Study: Supporting refugees with clean cooking fuel in humanitarian crises

Cooking fuel is rarely provided to refugees in crisis situations. In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 92% of Rohingya refugees and host communities rely on firewood, leading to severe deforestation, increased landslide risks and high levels of indoor air pollution. Although previous studies in other countries have examined the benefits of clean cooking fuels, research specific to refugee populations was lacking.  

The study evaluated the impact of LPG provision to Rohingya refugees on health, safety and the environment. Tracking 1,200 households, researchers assessed stove use, air quality and fuel-related violence. Findings improved programme design and positioned LPG distribution for potential carbon credit financing. The research has attracted global interest, shaping future humanitarian energy policies.

R2HC captures detailed case studies through a process that triangulates and validates evidence on uptake and impact. The case study methodology and full version of this summary case study including references are available on request. Outputs and resources from this study are available on the project page.