Dilemmas and decision-making: Exploring households' perspectives on the energy-environment-livelihoods nexus in off-grid rural Ghana

Abstract

Despite the introduction of clean energy technologies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), adoption has been slow as some households continue to rely on polluting fuels. This hinders the global energy sector's net-zero emission goal, particularly given that SSA constitutes a substantial proportion of the global population. This paper examines households' understanding of environmental issues and energy transition, with a particular focus on their role in the adoption of clean energy solutions. It further investigates households' expectations regarding the impact of a clean energy transition on their wellbeing.

Drawing on primary data collected from the Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts of the Eastern Region of Ghana, the findings revealed that 34 % of households did not associate energy sources with the environment and hence, disagreed that energy sources could affect the environment. Additionally, the study found that, despite its numerous benefits, a transition to clean energy solutions could adversely impact households. Some households indicated that this transition can potentially lead to a reduction in gross and discretionary incomes (40 %) and increase exposure to dangers (4 %). Furthermore, the findings showed that the livelihoods of nearly half of households (49 %) are tied to the production and sale of charcoal.

These findings underscore the need for a more sustainable energy transition that considers the potential impacts on rural households and actively involves households in the process. Consequently, this paper provides valuable insights for charting future directions to attain transition objectives, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.