The Relationship between Poverty and Energy Use in Niger State

Abstract

The paper examined the relationship between poverty and energy use in Niger state, Nigeria using a cross-sectional data randomly collected from 156 respondents in the State across the three senatorial zones. Employing descriptive statistics and Logit regression model, the result obtained revealed the existence of an inverse relationship between poverty and energy use in Niger state and statistically significant, while a proportionate relationship between income level and energy use was established which upheld the energy ladder hypothesis. Availability and affordability of modern energy relative to traditional energy negatively influence the use of modern energy in the state. The study thus recommends the actions of the government towards the reduction of poverty and increasing income level of individuals in the state as well as the enhancement of the availability and affordability of modern energy sources in the state.