Quantifying Household Energy Consumption in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study quantified household energy consumption in Kano metropolis. Clustered sampling technique was
employed to categorise the study area into different residential zones on the basis of socio-economic status and
residential density, while systematic sampling technique was used to select households at specific intervals,
resulting to 528 sampled households. Wood fuel, charcoal and gas were measured in kilogram, while kerosene
was measured in litres. At household level, questionnaire was used to get information on the quantity of energy
consumption. The study estimated a mean monthly consumption of wood fuel per household at 83.8 kg, with a
mean expenditure of 1528 Naira (NGN). Kerosene was estimated at 22.7 litres with an expenditure of 3519.2
Naira per household. The quantity of charcoal consumption and expenditure was found to be 19.02 kg and
1389.1 Naira respectively, while gas consumption and expenditure was estimated at 12.97 kg and 3093 naira.
The findings therefore showed a major decrease in the quantity of wood fuel consumption over the period of
study. However, the expenditure on it has risen due to the declining value of the Naira. The study concluded
that, although, the consumption of wood fuel has decreased drastically, the amount of consumption is still
significant, and this might result to the continuous depletion of forest resources and indoor air pollution, which
can lead to health problems. Therefore, the study recommends: the use of the newly designed charcoal and wood
fuel efficient stoves (capable of saving up to 40 to 60% of energy with less smoke), especially among the very
low income earners who cannot afford cleaner sources of energy, and the use of renewable energy.