Factors Contributing to Use of Biomass as Domestic Fuel and Options for Efficient and Sustainable Usage in Nigeria

Abstract

Biomass energy dominates household cooking energy in developing countries and Nigeria is not exceptional. However, a number of implications such as indoor air pollution, environmental degradation and social burden have been associated with the use of biomass energy. The paper discusses factors that determine the use of biomass as domestic energy and implications of biomass as household energy. The use of biomass energy in Nigeria is still on a high level and this poses great challenges to the environment and welfare of households. It has been envisaged that with improved household economic situation, this will translate to shifting to less polluting and cleaner energy. It is therefore pertinent that people, especially at the rural level, are empowered so as to be able to afford cleaner cook fuels. Also, alternative cook energy to biomass should be made available to people at affordable prices. Projects for the distribution of efficient biomass energy technologies such as cooking stoves should be embarked upon by concerned government agencies and non-government organisations to improve efficient use of biomass in places where other alternative energy are not easily accessible.

Keywords: Biomass energy, clean energy, household, indoor air pollution, cooking stoves