Peri-urban Environments Research Articles

Metacommunity structure of the helminths of the black-eared opossum Didelphis aurita in peri-urban, sylvatic and rural environments in south-eastern Brazil.

Among the Brazilian marsupials, the species of the genus Didelphis are the most parasitized by helminths. This study aimed to describe the species composition and to analyse the helminth communities of the Atlantic Forest common opossum Didelphis aurita at infracommunity and component community levels using the Elements of Metacommunity Structure Analysis, considering peri-urban, sylvatic and rural environments in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Seventy-three specimens of D. aurita were captured during the study. Fourteen species of helminths were collected: nine of the phylum Nematoda (Trichuris minuta, Trichuris didelphis, Globocephalus marsupialis, Heterostrongylus heterostrongylus, Travassostrongylus orloffi, Viannaia hamata, Aspidodera raillieti, Cruzia tentaculata and Turgida turgida); four of the phylum Platyhelminthes (three species of Trematoda, Duboisiella proloba, Brachylaima advena and Rhopalias coronatus, and one species of the class Cestoda); and one species of the phylum Acanthocephala (Oligacanthorhynchus microcephalus). More than 95% of the animals were infected with parasites. The most abundant parasite species were V. hamata, T. turgida, C. tentaculata and T. orloffi. The nematodes T. turgida, C. tentaculata and A. raillieti were the most dominant species in the three environments. The analysis of the metacommunity structure indicated a structured pattern as a function of the environmental gradient, but only when all localities were considered together. At the infracommunity and component community levels, quasi-nested and nested structures with stochastic species loss were observed, respectively. The results indicate that the settlement of helminth species in the opossums can be attributed to the heterogeneity among individual hosts in relation to their exposure to parasites and to extrinsic factors, which vary among habitats, considering a regional scale. On a local scale, the characteristics of this host species may promote homogenization among individual hosts in terms of their exposure to the helminths. This study constitutes a new host record for the species G. marsupialis and T. didelphis and represents a pioneering investigation of the helminth metacommunity of a Neotropical marsupial.

Echinococcus in wild canids in Québec (Canada) and Maine (USA).

Zoonotic Echinococcus spp. cestodes (E. canadensis and E. multilocularis) infect domestic animals, wildlife, and people in regions of Canada and the USA. We recovered and quantified Echinococcus spp. cestodes from 22 of 307 intestinal tracts of wild canids (23 wolves, 100 coyotes, 184 red and arctic foxes) in the state of Maine and the province of Québec. We identified the species and genotypes of three Echinococcus spp. cestodes per infected animal by sequencing mitochondrial DNA at two loci. We further confirmed the absence of E. multilocularis by extracting DNA from pools of all cestodes from each animal and running a duplex PCR capable of distinguishing the two species. We detected E. canadensis (G8 and G10), but not E. multilocularis, which is emerging as an important human and animal health concern in adjacent regions. Prevalence and median intensity of E. canadensis was higher in wolves (35%, 460) than coyotes (14%, 358). This parasite has historically been absent in Atlantic regions of North America, where suitable intermediate hosts, but not wolves, are present. Our study suggests that coyotes are serving as sylvatic definitive hosts for E. canadensis in Atlantic regions, and this may facilitate eastward range expansion of E. canadensis in the USA and Canada. As well, compared to wolves, coyotes are more likely to contaminate urban green spaces and peri-urban environments with zoonotic parasites.

Factors Causing Farmland Price-Value Distortion and Their Implications for Peri-Urban Growth Management

Taiwan’s Agricultural Development Act (ADA) of 2000 relaxed farmland ownership criteria and allowed non-farmers to own farms. Although this opened up the market and induced a growth in farmland trading, relaxing these criteria without proper monitoring resulted in rapid development of farmhouses that fragmented farmlands, adversely affecting agricultural production and the quality of peri-urban environments, and increased management difficulties. Relaxing farmland ownership criteria also provided opportunities for speculation, which pushed up farmland prices, causing farmland price to deviate from its production value. We used a price:value ratio as an index of price-value distortion to explore farmland price-value distortion spatially using a geographical information system (GIS). Yilan County was used as a case study since its agricultural lands suffer high development pressure due to ready accessibility from the Taipei metropolitan area. Ordinary least square and quantile regression were used to identify factors driving distortion in Yilan County. Finally, we discuss the distortion and key factors for specific sites in Yilan to assess the urban sprawl and propose a preliminary course of action for peri-urban growth management. Our findings suggest that residential activities stimulate farmland price-value distortion but do not enhance farmland value. Designation of a land parcel as agricultural within an urban area allows for speculation and increases distortion. The land parcel’s association with infrastructure such as road and irrigation systems, and the price of agricultural products, are significantly correlated with distortion. Most of these identified factors increased farmland price because of the potential for non-agricultural land-use. We propose that to resolve farmland price-value distortion in Yilan, multi-functional values, in addition to agriculture, must be envisioned.

The multifunctionality of the natural environment through the basic ecosystem services in the Florina region, Greece

ABSTRACTUntil the last decade, protecting the environment was seen as a factor contributing to human well-being, and conservation of natural ecosystems was considered to be one of the most important factors of environmental protection. Numerous studies have dealt with the benefits of natural ecosystems and in recent years even more so with ecosystem services, as well as interactions of ecosystem services with each other and with the urban and peri-urban environment. This paper suggests an approach to the spatial unity of the Florina region using basic ecosystem services identified by land use. The aim was, first, to describe the spatial distribution of basic ecosystem services and their interactions and, second, to investigate whether they form important statistical correlations with the basic features of the prefecture. A 1 km × 1 km analysis of 10 ecosystem services covering the surface of the prefecture was carried out.

Re-naturing cities: reducing flood risk through nature-based solutions

ABSTRACTClimate change is already reshaping the environments within which we live. From regional impacts, such as increased frequency, severity and duration of extreme weather events in the form of wildfires and hurricanes, to localised events in the form of riverine flooding and coastal storm surges, different disciplinary professionals all recognise that adaptation to a warming planet needs urgent attention and action. This article examines how emerging scholarship around ‘re-naturing cities’ could support societal transformation in the face of uncertain futures. The first section discusses the concept of ‘flood risk management’ (FRM) from its emergence from (and beyond) flood prevention strategy principles, and examines the reasons why FRM's current approach only goes so far in supporting adaptation strategies. The second section explores the rationale behind re-naturing cities, particularly in light of global urbanisation, to interrogate how using green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) can enrich the FRM discourse's ‘toolbox’ to help reduce flood risk – both for city dwellers and those living and working in periurban and hinterland environments. Using case studies of strategies for re-naturing cities around the world that directly address flood risk, including arboreal avenues, pocket parks, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and reconstructed urban wetlands, the article concludes with a brief reflection on how feasible, equitable and sustainable the re-naturing cities approach might be for our current and future global citizens.

Using GPS Technology to Understand Spatial and Temporal Activity of Kangaroos in a Peri-Urban Environment.

Simple SummaryKangaroo–human conflict is increasing in the peri-urban communities of the New South Wales (NSW) north coast in Australia. A way to assist in managing this conflict is to improve our understanding on the ecology of kangaroos in the peri-urban environment. We utilized modern Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to track adult male kangaroo movements in a peri-urban housing estate at Coffs Harbour, Australia, using both collars and temporary glue-on devices. We also assessed the effectiveness of the glue-on devices, which do not require animal recapture for device retrieval. Kangaroos remained predominately within the residential area and moved over short distances with small movement speeds. Movement activity peaked from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., coinciding with daily residential activities such as driving to work, putting children on the school bus, hanging out the washing, and putting bins on the street. In addition, the temporary glue-on devices were effective in gaining information on spatial and temporal activity on a day-by-day basis, despite having short deployment lengths. The increasing kangaroo occurrence in expanding peri-urban areas can be problematic when kangaroos become aggressive towards people and present a collision risk to motor vehicles. An improved understanding on kangaroo spatial and temporal activity patterns in the peri-urban environment is essential to manage kangaroo–human conflict. In this study, we used GPS telemetry to determine activity patterns of male Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in a peri-urban community on the north-coast of New South Wales, Australia. Two types of GPS devices were employed; collars and cheaper alternative glue-on units. Kangaroos moved on average 2.39 km a day, with an average movement rate of 1.89 m/min, which was greatest at dawn. The GPS glue-on devices had short deployment lengths of one to 12 days. Despite limitations in attachment time, the glue-on devices were viable in obtaining daily spatial and temporal activity data. Our results aid towards alleviating conflict with kangaroos by providing new insights into kangaroo movements and activity within a peri-urban environment and introduces a potential cheap GPS alternative for obtaining this data relative to more expensive collars.

A politics of place framework for unravelling peri-urban conflict: An example of peri-urban Sydney, Australia

Peri-urban areas are increasingly described as ‘third’ spaces with unique characteristics, in opposition to spaces awaiting urban development. However, in many peri-urban areas the process of defining what this ‘third’ space is, is triggering conflict over the meanings attributed to the peri-urban landscape, its ownership and, importantly, whose identity it represents. Our aim in this paper is to develop a framework of the ‘politics of place/landscape identity’ that advances analysis and synthesis of conflict over identity in peri-urban areas. This framework is grounded in the ‘politics of place’ and ‘politics of landscape’ literature, in the ‘place and landscape identity’ literature, and builds upon existing landscape/place models. It integrates the physical, practice, representation and identity dimensions of ‘landscape’ and ‘place’ in a perspective on the ‘politics of place’. We illustrate how the framework may shed light on the ‘politics of place’ in Wollondilly Shire, a peri-urban local government area in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Our case study demonstrates how the different dimensions of the politics of place are articulated, and particularly around what representations they are ‘crystallised’. The framework provides cues for planners and decision makers concerning the representations that would need to be renegotiated between different groups in peri-urban environments, in order to create broader consensus. In the case of Wollondilly the representation that could constitute a ‘nodal point’ for possible intervention is the definition of the notion of ‘viability’ of farming operations.

Elemental composition of wild growing Agaricus campestris mushroom in urban and peri-urban regions of Transylvania (Romania)

The Agaricus campestris mushroom widespread in the metropolitan areas could be an alternative food source to the cultivated and widely commercialized Agaricus bisporus. Our aim was to elaborate the elemental profile of the A. campestris in the urban and peri-urban environment, and to determine the levels of some highly toxic elements. The A. campestris coming from urban green areas had high concentrations of Ca (1600 ± 1000 mg kg−1 dry matter), Fe (200 ± 109 mg kg−1 dry matter), Na (3900 ± 2200 mg kg−1 dry matter), and those growing in the peri-urban meadows were rich in Ag (70 ± 24 mg kg−1 dry matter), Cu (96 ± 21 mg kg−1 dry matter) and S (5600 ± 460 mg kg−1 dry matter). The cultivated A. bisporus was rich in K (44000 ± 3800 mg kg−1 dry matter) and P (14000 ± 1500 mg kg−1 dry matter), but poor in essential minerals. Based on the provisional weekly intake values given by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations for As, Cd and Pb the regular consumption of the A. campestris in 300 g weekly amounts is safe.

<b>Medium-sized mammals in peri-urban environments in southern Brazil

Anthropic effects on natural environments caused by urban expansion or agriculture have been identified as one of the causes for the decline in species richness. In southern Brazil, the urbanization process affects the local fauna and reduces the diversity of mammalian species. This study was conducted from 2012 to 2015 with the objective of gathering information on mammalian species in a peri-urban area. Data was collected four consecutive days each month for 42 months using sand plots and visual searches. Occasional encounters and camera traps complemented were used to complement the data. We recorded 15 mammal species belonging to 10 families. The species with the highest abundance, taking into account all the applied methods, were Didelphis albiventris, Mazama gouazoubira and Cerdocyon thous. Four species were listed as endangered (Puma yagouaroundi, Leopardus guttulus, Nasua nasua, and Dasyprocta azarae).

The effects of trees on air pollutant levels in peri-urban near-road environments

It is often stated that plants remove air pollutants from the urban atmosphere with their large leaf area, thus providing benefits − i.e. ecosystem services − for citizens. However, empirical evidence showing that local-scale air quality is uniformly improved by urban forests is scarce. We studied the influence of conifer-dominated peri-urban forests on the springtime levels of NO2 and particle pollution at different distances from roads, using passive samplers and high time resolution particle counters in a northern climate in Finland. Passive samplers provided average values over a one month period, while active particle counters provided real time measurements of air pollution to mimic human inhalation frequency. NO2 concentrations were slightly higher in forests than in adjacent open areas, while passive particle measurements showed the opposite trend. Active particle monitoring campaigns showed no systematic forest effect for PM2.5, but larger particles were reduced in the forest, corroborating the passive sampling result.Attenuation rates of the mean values of the studied pollutants did not differ between the forest and open habitats. However, high time resolution particle data revealed a distance effect that was apparent only in the forest transect: peak events at the forest edge were higher, while peaks furthest from the road were lower compared to the open transect. Furthermore, the magnitude of PM2.5 peak events was distinctly higher at forest edge than equivalent distance in the open area.Vegetation characteristics, such as canopy cover and tree density, did not explain differences in pollutant levels in majority of cases. Our results imply that evergreen-dominated forests near roads can slightly worsen local air quality regarding NO2 and PM2.5 in northern climates, but that coarser particle pollution can be reduced by such forest vegetation. It seems that the potential of roadside vegetation to mitigate air pollution is largely determined by the vegetation effects on airflow.

Effects of Urban Land Use/Cover Dynamics on Peri-urban Natural Environmentin Nekemte City, Oromia, Ethiopia

The urbanization process has led to the steady growth of cityat the expense of peri-urban natural environment. This study was conducted in the Nekemte city, Oromia Region at Western part of Ethiopia. The research was aimed to assess the effects of urban land use/ cover dynamics on natural environment through the interpretation of three years’ time series images and psycho-chemical analysis of surface water quality of the study site. Land use classification maps were developed by using geos patial methods, remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). Study area land use/ cover mapping and change detection analysis was conducted by Arc-GIS software. Urban land use and cover dynamic analysis revealed that built-up areas have been increased during 1996 to 2016 resulting in substantial reduction of forest area, cultivated land, grazing land, wetland and riparian forest. Forest and wetland, which are the focuses of this research, have been continuously decreased from 17%, and 14% in 1996 to 5.1% and 2.7% in 2016, respectively, with an average annual urban growth rate of 3.65% within 20 years, resulted in an increased mean annual local temperature, variability of rainfall and relative humidity and surface water quality reduction. Projected values indicated that built up areas will be increased continuously for the coming 10 years. Continuous conversion of forest, wetl and land and other land cover type to urban land had resulted into varied and extensive natural ecosystem disturbances; local climate change biodiversity loss and surface water quality reduction. Population growth, migration and economic development are the main identified factors contributing for urban land expansion. Impacts of urban expansion on peri-urban environment can be reduced through controlling population growth and incorporating environmental issues in any urban and economic development program.

Innovative Sludge Management Techniques for Developing Nations

In municipal centres of developing nations, most households are served by means of on-site public health systems like septic tanks as well unsewered toilets, besides the faecal sledges gathered from these methods are usually discarded unprocessed into the city and peri-urban environment which posing great dangers to water resources and municipal health. Contrary to wastewater administration, the development schemes to handle faecal sledges that can adapt to the prevalent situations in unindustrialized nations, have long been deserted. The authors outline the existing situation and converse on certain novel issues of faecal sledges management like the Omni Processor, reinvented toilet, Solar-Powered Poop Blaster, Power of pee prototype; Self contain toilet and sewage system, Duke's Community Stand-alone waste facility and Nano- membrane toilet or waterless toilet. At the completion cusp, cities can think about substituting sewer systems with more ecologically friendly devices.

Effects of Rufous-Backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus) on Brazilian Pepper-Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) Seed Germination and Dispersal in a Subtropical Peri-Urban Environment

Alien invasive species pose a major threat to socioecological systems worldwide. Native avian frugivores may enhance the dispersal and germination success of exotic plants introduced for ornamental motives. In this study, we investigated the role of the native Rufous-backed Robin ( Turdus rufopalliatus) as a potential dispersal agent of the worldwide invasive Brazilian pepper-tree ( Schinus terebinthifolius). We evaluated gut transit time and mean retention time for birds feeding on this plant fruits and compared the germination rate and germination probability of intact fruits, peeled seeds, scarified seeds, and seeds from bird fecal samples. Gut transit time varied from 1.26 to 13.65 min, while mean retention time varied from 3.4 to 11.3 min. Germination rates differed between the intact seeds and the other three treatments; however, we found no differences among the germination rates of peeled, scarified, and defecated seeds. We found no differences among the seed germination probabilities of all treatments using the survival analysis; however, intact seeds presented a lower germination probability. Few studies have evaluated the role of avian frugivore’s gut transit time, mean retention time, germination rate, and germination probability on the seed germination of invasive plants. This study indicates that a native fruit-eating bird can play an important role dispersing the seeds of the Brazilian pepper-tree in an invasive range.

Cultural identity in the peri-urban African landscape: a case study from Pikine, Senegal

As African populations continue to urbanize at the highest rates worldwide, informal peri-urban landscapes have emerged in recent decades, becoming a norm throughout Africa’s cities. They continue to grow spatially and in population, outpacing municipal infrastructure. These peri-urban zones have predominantly informal social, political, and economic structures. Unique cultural identities continue to evolve in these emergent landscapes. This project gained key insights into lesser visited spaces during a field study to Pikine. Pikine’s dense urban area exhibits socioeconomic marginalization, lack of public services, environmental degradation, health hazards, and high crime rate. The qualitative research herein, illuminates gaps in the understanding of cultural identity and transformations taking place within the peri-urban environment – a human landscape that remains mostly unfamiliar and largely inaccessible to the greater population writ large. The study finds that insurmountable environmental and socioeconomic challenges have helped garner Pikine’s reputation within the greater Dakar urban agglomeration as a dysfunctional and criminal urban backwater. Yet, in the face of its social alienation coupled with infrastructural isolation and enduring shared struggle against chronic flooding, the city developed its own distinguishable culture and particularly kindred spirit embodying the Wolof solidarity known in the region as teranga.

Composition of Anopheline (Diptera: Culicidae) Community and Its Seasonal Variation in Three Environments of the City of Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.

In order to extend the knowledge of the composition of the anopheline community and the seasonal variation related to anthropogenic modifications in the city of Puerto Iguazú, adult females were captured between 2009 and 2012. Samples were collected in three environments with different degrees of anthropogenic modification: urban, periurban, and wild. Alpha diversity was evaluated as the 'true' diversity of the species in each environment. Among environments, range-abundance curves were used to compare the composition, abundance, and uniformity of species and cluster analysis was used to analyze the similarities and differences. The temporal distribution was analyzed and the relative abundance of the species captured was correlated with meteorological variables. A total of 4,565 females, belonging to seven species: Anopheles albitarsis s.s. (Lynch-Arribálzaga), Anopheles argyritarsis (Robineau-Desvoidy), Anopheles deaneorum (Rosa-Freitas), Anopheles fluminensis (Root), Anopheles mediopunctatus (Theobald), Anopheles strodei s.l. (Root), and Anopheles triannulatus s.l. (Neiva and Pinto) were captured. The wild environment showed higher abundance, diversity, and greater uniformity reflected on the less sharp area of the range-abundance curve. Species richness was the same in the wild and periurban environments. Higher abundances were observed in summer during the months with higher temperatures. Although the wild environment showed greater Anopheles abundances and diversity, specific richness and species complementarity were similar among the three environments studied. Thus, the periurban environment would turn into a transition zone of great epidemiological importance due to the introduction of people in this environment, which represents a potential risk of malaria transmission in the area.

Variability of surface and underwater nocturnal spectral irradiance with the presence of clouds in urban and peri-urban wetlands.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an increasing phenomenon worldwide. It causes a wealth of biological and ecological effects that may eventually affect populations and ecosystems. Despite the growing concern about ALAN, little is known about the light levels species are exposed to at night, especially for wetlands and underwater habitats. We determined nocturnal irradiance in urban and peri-urban wetlands above and under water, and assessed the effect of cloud cover on the variability of ALAN across the urban gradient. Even in aquatic habitats, cloud cover could increase irradiance beyond values observed during clear full moon nights. We report a negative relationship between baseline irradiance and the increase in irradiance during overcast nights. According to this result and previous studies, we propose that the change in the variation regime of ALAN between the urban center and rural land at its periphery is a usual feature. We discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of this spatial variation in the urban and peri-urban environment.

Extraction of power lines using mobile LiDAR data of roadway environment

Assessing the field conditions of power line corridor is important for electrical power providers. Monitoring and management of power line corridor are essential for electric resource management and power corridor safety. Mobile LiDAR is becoming popular in mapping of power line corridors along the roadway. Power lines extraction using mobile LiDAR point cloud of different roadway settings are presented in this paper. The proposed method works in four steps. Initially the horizontal segment containing power lines in the three-dimensional point cloud are filtered out. Then the two-dimensional point density based refining is used to remove the trees and buildings. Hough transform is used to extract power lines and further the missing portions are reconstructed. Three test sites each from urban, peri-urban and rural roadway environment and having different level of complexities along power line corridor are chosen to test the proposed method comprehensively. Occlusions especially the vegetation encroachment in complex roadway environment and their effects in power line extraction is highlighted in this paper. The partially occluded power lines are successfully extracted. The average correctness and completeness of 98.84% and 90.84%, respectively are achieved in the urban, peri-urban and rural test sites.

Abiotic and Biotic Contributors to Support Inter-Epidemic Francisella tularensis in an Agricultural Peri-Urban Environment.

To characterize the inter-epidemic ecology of Francisella tularensis, we surveyed vertebrates and invertebrates for the abundance, spatial distribution, and status of infection at a site in northern California that had evidence of endemic type B tularemia. We collected 2910 mosquitoes, 77 biting flies, 704 ticks, 115 mammals, and 1911 aquatic invertebrates in 2013-2014. Real-time PCR on all mosquitoes, 40 biting flies, 113 aquatic invertebrates, and 650 ticks did not detect F. tularensis DNA. Indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on 109 mammals revealed 2 (of 2, 100%) seropositive feral cats, 1 (of 24, 4.5%) seropositive black rat, and 5 (of 10, 50%) seropositive Virginia opossums. A riparian reserve, ∼1 km from the primate research center, had the highest seroprevalence in mammals and the highest capture success for invertebrate vectors whereas opossums, cats, and ground squirrels in close proximity to the primate center had high seroprevalence and abundant fleas. Well-vegetated regions with standing water appeared to be ideal habitats for biotic components of tularemia enzootic persistence. Mesocarnivores may facilitate the spread of F. tularensis, and high densities of rodents and their fleas may be a mechanism for amplification and spillover.

English

The aim of this study was to evaluate the alkaline hydrolysis of chemical composition of sugarcane bagasse from urban centers. The experimental design was completely randomized design in split plots (5×4), composed of five application levels (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%) and four NaOH exposure periods (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) in four replicates. Dry matter, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose and lignin were analyzed. The application of 4% of NaOH promoted reduction of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) in treatments with application of 3 and 4% of NaOH; the treatment promoted a higher reduction in hemicellulose content. There was linear effect of the level of NaOH on dry matter, ash, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose, however, lignin and cellulose content presented quadratic effect. Alkaline hydrolysis with NaOH provided improvements in the chemical composition of the sugarcane bagasse, which allows it to be used as feed for ruminants raised in urban and peri-urban environments. Key words: Chemical treatment, industrial waste, ruminant.

Performance assessment of an improved cook stove (Esperanza) in a typical domestic setting: implications for energy saving

BackgroundMuch of the Malawi’s energy source, which is biomass, is consumed using traditional household technologies. These technologies contribute to over consumption of biomass leading to increased forest degradation, and they release various gases and particulate matter that often cause indoor air pollution which is a health hazard to the users. To combat deforestation and pollution, improved cookstoves were introduced in Malawi from early 2000. A number of improved stoves were introduced including Esperanza which is reported to have 60% wood fuel saving under controlled conditions compared to the traditional 3-stone stove. The efficiencies of improved stoves were obtained through controlled cooking test, but very limited studies have evaluated them under normal household settings. Therefore, this study sought to compare the performance of the Esperanza stove with a 3-stone stove in a typical domestic setting.MethodsA Volunteer in Technical Assistance (VITA) standardized questionnaire was administered to households that were using the Esperanza stove. A cross-sectional Kitchen Performance Test (KPT) was conducted to compare the wood-saving performance of exclusive use of Esperanza stove and the 3-stone stove using the VITA KPT tool.ResultsIn the study area, a policy of banning household use of other cooking technologies has been in place with the main goal of encouraging the use of new technologies. There is evidence that the Esperanza stove was used more often, though it was used in combination with other technologies. Although Esperanza stove had earlier been reported to be more fuel efficient than the 3-stone stove, results revealed that due to improper use, the Esperanza stove consumed 86% more wood fuel compared to 3-stone stove.ConclusionsThree-stone stoves are still the preferred mode of cooking technology in most rural and peri-urban environments in Malawi. The shift to the improved stove technologies therefore requires urgent government intervention to ensure total use of these technologies that save energy and the environment. Additionally, the optimum efficiency of the Esperanza stove can be viable with training to new users. Thus, the importance of training on the proper use of Esperanza stove is recommended in order to optimize its performance and maximize energy saving.