Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Choice of Cooking Energy Sources in Sokoto Metropolis

Abstract

The study was designed to assess different sources of energy and to establish relationship between socio-economic factors that influence the choice of energy types within Sokoto metropolis. The study area was divided into three locations based on the income level as low, medium and high income classes. Forty respondents were randomly selected from each location thereby having a total of 120 respondents for the study. Variables of interest included choice of energy, types of energy sources, factors that influence such use and preferences for the different types of energy. Semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and chi square test of association were used for data analysis. The findings showed that households use different energy sources daily and some factors were found to influence the choice of energy used in homes (electricity 0.5%, cooking gas 42.5%, fuelwood/charcoal 33.5%, and kerosene 19.2%). Such factors include area of residence (chi-square value 14.53 and p- value 0.024), educational level (chi-square value 49.246 and p-value 0.000) and income (chi-square value 14.950 and p-value 0.021). Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that households in Sokoto state metropolis tend to climb the energy ladder from low energy types to modern energy types and it was recommended that households be sensitized on the negative effects of the traditional energy sources on the environment.