Determinants of households’ energy consumption in Kebbi State Nigeria

This study aims to scrutinize the determinants of household energy consumption needs in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The data for the study were sourced from household heads within the study area. The paper analyzes the determinants of household energy consumption using six energy consumption indicators (household expenditure on energy, electricity, LPG, kerosene, charcoal, and biomass). To analyze the data, the study used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression (which has rarely been used in this kind of study) which broaden our understanding of social, economic, and environmental perspectives on energy usage. Our empirical strategy indicates that all the instruments used are appropriate based on Cronbach’s alpha scale value of greater than 0.9. Education level was found to be a significant factor in energy expenditure by household, electricity, LPG, and kerosene usage, while negatively correlated with biomass usage. A binary logit regression model revealed that household head income, availability of different energy choices, reliability, and affordability are the major determinants of household energy consumption needs. Findings further show that low-income household heads which account for more than 60% of the respondents rely heavily on the traditional methods of biomass to meet their energy needs. The finding further revealed that 72.80% of the respondents confirmed that accessibility is one of the driving forces which determines their energy choice. Based on the findings, the study therefore, recommends the need to ensure the availability and affordability of safer forms of energy as well as invest more in making renewable energy available and affordable.