Determinants of urban households’ charcoal dependence in Nigeria: An assessment of demographic and economic drivers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the drivers of charcoal consumption in urban Kaduna, Nigeria. The study employed quantitative cross-sectional survey design involving a structured questionnaire that was administered to 400 household charcoal consumers. The outcomes of the study showed that charcoal is in high demand, and demographic and economic drivers such as household size, level of education, income, and energy prices play a significant role in determining the level of household dependence on charcoal. The study recommended a need to create awareness on the environmental consequences of over-exploitation of forest resources and poor management practices as well as mitigation action that focuses on emissions reduction and the use of clean energy that will bring about environmental sustainability.