ENERGY POVERTY, COPING MECHANISMS, AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN WELL-BEING: A CASE STUDY OF ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Energy poverty threatens social and economic development in Nigeria, with Adamawa State facing persistent shortages due to unreliable grid supply and dependence on traditional fuels. This study assessed the prevalence of energy poverty, its impact on households, and the coping mechanisms adopted. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from 389 respondents using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse socio-economic characteristics, energy access, challenges, and coping strategies. Findings revealed that 71.5% of respondents were energy-poor, 57.8% had less than four hours of daily electricity, and 61.2% relied on firewood for cooking. About 73.5% experienced daily power outages, while 41.1% cited the high cost of alternative energy, and 40.4% reported respiratory problems linked to household energy use. Coping strategies included reliance on generators (37.3%), rechargeable lamps (29.1%), solar energy (24.4%), and deliberate reduction of electricity consumption (44 percent). The study concludes that energy poverty undermines health, education, productivity, and household welfare in Adamawa State. It recommends targeted investment in renewable energy, provision of subsidies for clean energy technologies, and improvements in grid infrastructure. Strengthening community-based initiatives alongside government-led interventions would reduce vulnerability, enhance energy access, and align outcomes with Sustainable Development Goal 7.