Dynamics of Household Energy and Cooking Stoves in Maroua, Far North Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Most developing countries depend on solid biomass for household cooking energy with daunting problems to the inhabitants and the environment. This is the case in Maroua where dwindling fuel wood supply has resulted to energy scarcity in residential households pushing them into hardship, untold sufferings, and rampant deforestation. The goal of this study was to critically examine the sources of household cooking energy, analyze the new energy efficient stoves technology introduced as a suitable alternative and make recommendations. Three hundred structured household questionnaires were administered to some groups representative of the population. Some formal semi-structured interviews were administered to some stake holders in this domain. The data was analyzed using the SPSS. Systematic sampling technique and ethnographic observations revealed that the most frequently used household energy sources are wood and charcoal, though 80% of households use more than one source. Because of the plight of these traditional energy sources, a switch to more energy efficient stoves as a suitable alternative is on-going. The study revealed that socio-cultural factors seriously affect the adoption of energy efficient technologies placed at the disposal of the villagers in the Far North Region of Cameroon. By analyzing the situation, the paper makes recommendations which when adopted will help resolve the household energy crisis.