EFFECTS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLDS ON COOKING ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN KARU LGA, NASSARAWA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the effects of household socio-economic characteristics on cooking energy consumption in Karu Local Government. The objectives were to profile household socio-economic characteristics, identify the primary cooking energy sources used by rural and urban households and quantify the relationship between these characteristics and household cooking energy consumption. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to households using stratified, systematic and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation. Findings revealed that the major sources of cooking energy among rural households were firewood, charcoal, and crop residues, and while in urban areas, the dominant sources were Gas/LPG, charcoal, and electricity. The study further established strong correlations between cooking energy consumption and selected socio-economic characteristics. In rural households, significant determinants included age (r² = 76.6%), income level (r² = 78.1%), household size (r² = 73.1%), and occupation (r² = 88.9%). In urban households, key influencing factors were age (r² = 76.2%), type of house (r² = 81.4%), and location of kitchen (r² = 87%). The study recommends increasing access to cleaner and more efficient cooking energy sources, such as Gas/LPG and electricity, particularly in rural communities. Targeted subsidization and equitable distribution programs are crucial for promoting energy transition and enhancing household welfare.