EVALUATION OF DOMESTIC ENERGY NEEDS AND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF UMUAHIA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ABIA, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This research endeavours to scrutinize the domestic energy requirements and consumption behaviours within Umuahia South Local Government Area (LGA), situated in Abia State, Nigeria, with the objective of tackling energy poverty and its associated environmental repercussions. Employing a quantitative survey encompassing 135 households from both urban (Ubakala, Old Umuahia) and rural (Amakama) wards, the study delineates primary energy sources, socioeconomic factors, and mitigation strategies, thereby aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7. The examination of domestic energy consumption patterns within the Umuahia South Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria, elucidates a multifaceted interaction among socioeconomic, cultural, and infrastructural variables that influence household energy preferences, which bear considerable environmental and health repercussions. Utilizing a quantitative survey encompassing 135 households across both urban (Ubakala, Old Umuahia) and rural (Amakama) wards, the research delineates a prevailing dependence on firewood (56.3%) and kerosene (44.4%) for cooking and illumination, particularly pronounced in rural locales, attributable to economic limitations and restricted electricity availability (37.0% for lighting). This observation corresponds with national patterns, wherein 74.24% of households rely on biomass, yet it accentuates local discrepancies, with urban regions exhibiting a greater adoption of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (17.8%) despite a preference rate of 45.9%. Socioeconomic determinants, such as low income (53.3% earning below ₦65,000/month) and educational attainment (32.6% possessing the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination), in conjunction with gender dynamics, perpetuate the utilization of firewood, thereby challenging the Energy Ladder Hypothesis by revealing the phenomenon of energy stacking due to the inconsistency of modern fuel supply. The environmental ramifications are substantial, with firewood consumption contributing to an annual deforestation rate of 1,150 hectares, resulting in 229,500 tCO2 emissions, and indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations (140–180 μg/m³) significantly surpassing World Health Organization guidelines, thereby intensifying respiratory health risks, particularly for women and children. Proposed mitigation strategies, such as LPG subsidies (12% uptake), solar microgrids (servicing 2,500 households), and improved cookstoves (yielding a 25% reduction in fuelwood consumption), exhibit limited efficacy owing to financial burdens and cultural resistance, as elucidated by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. These revelations address pivotal data deficiencies, advocating for strategic subsidies, rural electrification initiatives, and public awareness campaigns to align the energy practices of Umuahia South with the objectives outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 7. Recommendations propose the implementation of targeted LPG subsidies, the expansion of solar electrification initiatives, and the initiation of awareness campaigns aimed at altering existing norms. The study furnishes actionable insights for facilitating sustainable energy transitions in Umuahia South, thereby addressing critical deficiencies in data.