Sustainable Energy Use In Makélékélé: Patterns And Impacts Of Domestic Wood Consumption
Rodrigue Mabiala Nkouka
Faculty of Economics and LARES, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
Abstract
Woodfuel remains a critical energy source in many developing countries, particularly across Africa, where it supports the daily energy needs of vast populations. As energy demand continues to rise, woodfuel's role becomes increasingly significant—but also problematic—due to its predominantly artisanal production, often concentrated around urban and peri-urban centers. This raises urgent environmental concerns, particularly the depletion of surrounding forests, which threatens both local ecosystems and global climate mitigation efforts.
This study investigates the complex determinants of woodfuel consumption, considering both macroeconomic and household-level factors. Two primary theoretical frameworks guide this inquiry. The first links woodfuel use to broader development indicators, including Kuznets' environmental curve and the poverty-environment hypothesis, which suggest that wood energy consumption patterns evolve with economic development. The second framework focuses on household income levels and draws from the energy ladder theory, which posits that as income increases, households shift from traditional fuels like wood to more modern energy sources.
Despite these theoretical approaches, empirical findings remain mixed. Some studies report a negative correlation between income and woodfuel use, implying that rising incomes lead to reduced dependence on wood energy. Conversely, other research identifies a positive or nonlinear relationship, indicating that even wealthier households may continue using woodfuel for reasons ranging from cultural preferences to availability and affordability.
This study aims to clarify these inconsistencies by exploring the multifactorial dynamics influencing household woodfuel consumption. By examining how income levels, urban proximity, and national development stages interact, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of energy behaviors in developing contexts. The findings hold policy relevance for forest conservation strategies, energy planning, and climate change mitigation, especially as nations seek to balance economic development with sustainable resource use