Climate Adaptation Strategy In Nigeria: Perceptions On The Use Of Alternative Cooking Sources

Abstract

Nigeria is the most populated sub-Saharan African country with an estimated population of about 200 million people. Despite having abundant energy sources, it is estimated that more than half of Nigerians do not have access to electricity, while those that have often struggle with the unstable nature of power. This paper focused on the perceptions of Nigerians on the use of alternative energy-efficient sources as against traditional energy sources like charcoal and wood fuel in households. The paper gave an overview of Nigeria's climate change adaptation policy and connects it to the literacy level of Nigerians on issues of climate change adaptation through the use of low carbon emission cooking sources. The discourse on climate change has taken centre stage globally as heads of governments seek solutions to its impacts which can be seen all around us. Nigeria has had its fair share of the impacts of climate change ranging from flooding, desertification, and drought amongst others. The Nigerian government has had to come up with certain measures in the form of adaptation policies to neutralise the impacts of climate change. The paper relied on secondary sources for its analysis. Findings from reviewed literature show that the majority of the Nigerian populace, especially in the rural areas, rely heavily on the use of biomass in the form of firewood and charcoals for cooking due to cultural reasons, and in some cases ignorance of the impacts. The overreliance on these energy sources for cooking is not only increasing carbon emissions but posing great danger to the health of people. It is also leading to deforestation. The study also found that despite the grave consequences of climate change, the majority of people have very limited knowledge about the existing adaptation policies put in place. In some areas where alternative cooking energy sources such as briquettes have been introduced, the adaptation success rate appears to be very poor. There is, therefore, the need for a robust bottom-top adaptation policy formulation and implementation that factors in people's cultures, and contexts as it relates to energy sources for cooking that are climate-friendly.