Recent data reveals stark disparities in access to clean cooking fuel for women across urban and rural Fiji. The “Experimental Gender Climate Change Nexus Data Brief 2025,” released by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS), highlights a continued reliance on traditional fuels among rural women, with many still using firewood for their daily cooking needs.
The report indicates that urban households dominate electricity consumption, accounting for an impressive 69.7 percent, and an even higher 80.9 percent of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) usage. In stark contrast, rural areas exhibit significantly lower access rates, with only 30.3 percent utilizing electricity and just 19.1 percent using LPG. While kerosene usage is more balanced between urban and rural areas, 67.3 percent of its consumption happens in urban settings, where some low-income communities still depend on it for cooking and lighting.
These disparities align with the objectives outlined in Fiji’s National Energy Policy for 2023–2030, which aims to enhance clean energy access, particularly for rural and marginalized populations. The FBoS notes that these policies are designed to facilitate Fiji’s transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, focusing on the adoption of clean energy technologies. The policy also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges faced by women, who are predominantly responsible for cooking and fuel collection.
Transitioning to cleaner cooking fuel options such as LPG and biogas is essential, as it can significantly reduce health risks associated with indoor air pollution and enable women to dedicate more time to productive activities.
The focus on equitable energy distribution and clean alternatives presents an encouraging path forward for Fiji. The government’s commitment to clean energy initiatives, particularly for underserved areas, not only supports environmental sustainability but also seeks to empower women and contribute to economic development. By prioritizing clean cooking solutions, Fiji aims to enhance gender equity in the energy sector, ultimately improving the well-being of communities as a whole.