Energy Accessibility and Consumption Patterns: Transitioning Towards Sustainable Solutions in Keffi Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Access to energy sources by households and institutions vary from region to region due to factors of availability, economic activities, population density and technological advancement of the region. This study has assessed the determinants of energy accessibility, use and preferences among households and institutions in Keffi Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The aim and objectives of this study are to ascertain the differences in the quantities of energy sources used by households, determine the preferences of each of the sources by the households, reasons for preferences for each of the energy sources, and the problems associated with the use of each of the energy source. A purposive sampling technique and Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table were used in determining 383 respondents that participated in this survey. Primary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The most commonly utilized energy source amongst households in Keffi is hydroelectric power (HEP), with 92 households (24.0%) relying on it. This significant figure highlighted a notable level of access to electric power, potentially reflecting infrastructure development in the area. Charcoal and fuelwood, the people’s traditional energy sources, remain prevalent, being used by 63 households (16.4%). This continuous reliance may be due to factors such as affordability, availability, or cultural practices. The major reasons for the preference for LPG was because it cooks faster, and kerosene has lower chances of fire accident than LPG. For fuel wood, preference was due to fast cooking, its availability and affordability, while that of charcoal was due to reason of reduced cases of fire accident. The major constraints militating against the use of different cooking energy sources, even when they are preferred, were scarcity, cost and risk of fire outbreak for LPG and HEP, while for fuel wood and charcoal, they emit high level GHGs and the fact that they also release a lot of black soot. There is need to implement incentive-based policies to encourage the use of LPG and HEP, through targeted subsidies and cost reduction.