The findings of this study show that to make a transition two domains must be addressed: risk and livelihood (see Fig. 2). The prerequisites for this transition include building of local resilience to short term pressure, directed external governance, social capital, and livelihood improvements to assure capacity. In addition, efforts are needed to raise the awareness of technology options and the multiple benefits of clean cooking facilities, particularly those regarding health, gender, and economic implications. Financing a transitional move with technological options for stimulating the households is a challenge. Women, under the prevailing circumstances of primary cooks and homemakers, are the key stakeholders, agents, and beneficiaries of change. Efforts in promoting cleaner cooking facilities need to be coupled with development strategies for progressive advancement. In order to increase the household expenditure on energy, additional income has to be gained through productive engagement of labour and by providing a market for biomass feedstock suppliers to produce and supply fuel wood as an enterprise.