The International Energy Agency (IEA) is convening global leaders for a Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa in Pari.

Here, the IEA will present its annual study on the issue on Tuesday.

More than 20 African countries are taking part in the meeting.

According to the IEA, nearly four in five Africans still cook their meals over open fires and traditional stoves, using wood, charcoal, animal dung and other polluting fuels.

This has impacts on health, gender equality and the environment.

According to the IEA study, the inhalation of hazardous smoke from cooking is the second leading cause of premature death among women and children on the continent.

They also miss out on opportunities for education and employment because they have to spend time collecting fuel.

Collecting fuel daily also exposed women to the risk of violence and assault.

According to the IEA, simple cooking methods using wood and charcoal often contribute to deforestation.

The agency says liquid gas is the preferred solution for clean cooking, followed by electric cookers and appliances such as rice cookers.

In rural areas without a reliable power supply, improved cookers that use less fuel and produce fewer hazardous exhaust fumes could also be used as an interim solution.

The African Development Bank and the IEA hope to mobilise funds for increased investment in clean stoves, equipment and infrastructure.

Its current annual figure is around €2.3 billion ($2.48 billion), and it will reach €7.4 billion this decade. 

(dpa/NAN)