Author/s:
Mijitaba, Maman Moustapha*
School of Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China (m.mijitaba@gmail.com)
Jing, Fen Jie
Marketing Department, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China (fjjing@mail.hust.edu.cn)
Abstract:
Wood, as source of energy, is a major concern for developing countries. In Niger, despite the efforts made in promoting the use of modern sources of energy for cooking, up to 94% of households still rely on wood as primary source of energy. The present work reviews the main theories that explain fuelwood consumption and the different strategies adopted by Niger for alleviating the problem. Based on criticisms addressed to these strategies two programs, for urban and rural areas, are proposed. The aim of these programs is to actively promote the use of coal and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Given the country’s experience in carrying out diverse development projects and the natural resources it produces (coal exploitation and LPG production), it appears that the proposed programs are realizable. However, governmental commitment and further studies are required in order to address practical related issues.
Keywords: fuelwood; energy consumption; energy policies; developing country, Niger
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2013.270
*Corresponding Author