A Microeconomic Analysis of Energy Choice Behaviour in South Lunzu Township, Malawi

Abstract

This paper reports results of a study that aimed at analysing the energy choice behaviour of people in South Lunzu Township in Malawi. A Microeconometric approach was adopted on survey data collected by way of a questionnaire. Results of Multinomial logit model suggest that most socioeconomic variables under study were inelastic in influencing the probability for the outcomes to be used for purposes of cooking at the household level. Statistically, Age, income, and education of head of household together with household size were important factors influencing the choice of outcomes electricity, charcoal, firewood and LP gas for cooking purposes. The major recommendation of this study is that campaigns emphasising on the abilities of Renewable Energy be developed and disseminated. Also, an emphasis on Liquefied Petroleum Gas for purposes of cooking must be encouraged. These policies would ensure sustainable development by reducing reliance on biomass which is depleting at a faster rate than regeneration.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p569