Our Impact

Real time Assessment of the indoor air pollution in Sub-Saharan households (Case study: Rwanda rural and urban areas)

Thematic Area: ICTs including big data and artificial intelligence

University: University of Rwanda (UR)

Project Leader: Dr Frederic Nzanywayingoma

Collaborating Partners: Makerere University, Uganda; REMA (Rwanda Environment Management Authority)

Duration: 3 years

Project Overview

Indoor air pollution is an imminent problem especially in developing countries where people heavily rely on solid biomass fuel. Indoor air pollution has more significant and harmful health effects than outdoor air pollution. It is very important for the population to be aware of the dangers related to the pollution in their households. A good understanding of the indoor air pollution situation and the associated health risks is very important especially for the Sub-Saharan population who seems to be unaware about this silent killer.

The technology

This project seeks to investigate indoor air pollution in households using effective and adapted indoor air pollution IoT monitoring tools to evaluate the potential health hazard associated with the exposure to the indoor air pollution against the World Health Organization air quality guidelines targeting the Rwanda rural and urban population. The project will investigate the possible correlation between indoor air pollution and air pollution related diseases and propose modelling tools for effective indoor air quality improvement.

Expected Impact

The project will raise awareness about indoor air pollution and its potential risks for rural and urban households. A prototype of an indoor air pollution monitoring tool affordable for the rural population will be developed. While this IoT tool will be tested in Rwanda, It is expected that the same tool will be used to assess the levels of indoor air pollution in their households in Sub-Saharan countries and anywhere world-wide. The research results will provide tangible data useful for policy makers to establish policies for indoor air pollution control in households.