Cooking Energy, Health, and Happiness of Women in Nigeria

Eleanya Nduka and Modupe Jimoh
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Eleanya Nduka: University of Warwick and UK Energy Research Centre
Modupe Jimoh: University of Warwick and UK Energy Research Centre

The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) from University of Warwick, Department of Economics

Abstract: This study utilizes novel data to investigate the impact of cooking energy sources and indoor air pollution on the happiness, life satisfaction, physical, and mental health of women in Nigeria. The existing body of literature relies on ambient air pollution data, which can be limiting in resource-constrained settings. To address this gap, we employ a direct approach, measuring Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels in participants’ blood using the Rad-57 CO-oximeter. Our analysis reveals strong positive correlations between the utilization of clean cooking energy and women’s reported happiness and life satisfaction. Additionally, the study finds that clean cooking energy usage is associated with a significant reduction in mental health problems among women. These findings highlight a substantial disparity in wellbeing based on access to clean cooking energy sources. Furthermore, exposure to carbon monoxide, as measured in this study, demonstrates a detrimental effect on women’s health and overall well-being. Consequently, policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize initiatives that promote household energy access and facilitate the transition to clean cooking practices, especially in rural areas where the use of polluting fuels and exposure to indoor air pollution remain prevalent concerns.

Keywords: Air pollution; Clean Cooking; Dirty Cooking; Energy; Health; Happiness; Mental health; Well-being; Women; Poverty. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev, nep-ene, nep-env, nep-hap, nep-hea and nep-ipr
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wrk:warwec:1515

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