HOUSEHOLDS’ COOKING ENERGY TRANSITION IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, NIGERIA: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH APPROACH

Abstract

Sustainable energy transition has the potentials to providing a lasting solution to the contending problem of climate change globally. This study investigated the current energy transition situation in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria. The study used qualitative research method where data was obtained through two (2) sessions of focus group discussions (FGDs) and 5 key informant interviews (KIIs) with different households as well as energy vendors around the study area respectively. The data were analyzed using thematic method of analysis involving manual coding and themes generations. Result revealed on one hand that some of the households have started to adopt modern energy services for cooking while on the other hand some households have been using energy mix consisting solid forms of energy and modern energy services concurrently while some still rely heavily on solid forms of energy for their cooking energy requirements. It was found that energy access, affordability, cost, family size, income and education are the main factors influencing energy transition in the area. The study suggests that the government should provide easy access via feasible subsidies and also engage in public awareness campaigns on the dangers associated with reckless deforestation as well as environmental and health benefits of modern energy consumption for domestic cooking.