Assessing factors that influence household fuelstacking behaviour within rural households in the Gonani village, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Energy is crucial to human survival since it sustains all kinds of life. Traditional/dirty/solid energy sources have given way to modern/clean energy sources in the evolution of energy sources. Some experts have noted that as a family's income rises, it is not uncommon for them to switch from utilizing traditional fuels to cleaner fuels, which can be viewed as the energy ladder. Other experts, however, feel that households do not fully leave traditional fuels when their income grows, but rather use a combination of fuels. Despite the fact that poor houses are now electrified, there is still a reliance on conventional energy sources. Even though households might convert to cleaner fuels, they continue to rely on traditional fuels, according to studies. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the fuel storage behavior of households in Gonani village, Limpopo Province. This study was meant to help add to the knowledge gap about the factors that influence household behavior in Limpopo Province and South Africa as a whole, for which there is limited literature. A systematic questionnaire which was provided to 70 participants was utilized to study energy use patterns and the factors that determine the utilization of certain energy sources for household needs. Furthermore, observations were conducted with 25 (n=36%) of the participants to further understand the fuel stacking behaviour and probe the reasoning behind fuel stacking behaviour. Despite all the participants (n=100%) having access to electricity, households continue to rely on traditional fuels such as firewood for domestic needs such as cooking and water heating, as cooking with electricity is not viable. Furthermore, although the physical capital of the participants was assessed as part of the study, it can be asserted that the physical capital does not have an influence on households’ choice of fuel. It is also evident from this study that both economic and non-economic factors (culture) influence household energy decisions and that energy reliance, energy poverty, indigenous knowledge, preferences, and lack of access to free basic electricity are the causes for households' usage of firewood. In summary, the study demonstrates that, due to socioeconomic and cultural considerations, rural households do not climb the energy ladder but instead use numerous fuels simultaneously.