Determinants of Household Choice of Cooking Energy in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The choice of domestic cooking energy in Nigeria is an issue for addressing deforestation, and health hazards resulting from indoor air pollution, as result of fuel wood consumption. This study analysed the factors determining the choice of cooking energy in ondo state, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used to sample 409 households in the study area. The data used for the study were obtained with the use of well- structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit were employed for the analysis. Descriptive analyses show that the energy sources available for the use in the study area are kerosene (45%), firewood (43%) and cooking gas (12%). The analysis shows further that 63.7% of the rural populace and 22.9% of people in urban areas utilize fuel wood for cooking in the study area. The results of the multinomial logit show the household income, level of education, household size, occupation of the respondent, nature of the dwelling house and ownership of the dwelling house are the significant factors influencing fuel choice. In order to encourage households to make fuel substitution that will result in more efficient energy use and less adverse environmental, social, and health impacts, a promotion of higher level of education and a promotion of general economic development could be effective instruments.

Keywords:  Cooking Energy, households’ characteristics, multinomial logit and the use of descriptive survey type.