Measurement and determinants of energy poverty in Lesotho
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National University of Lesotho
Abstract
Energy poverty remains a significant barrier to sustainable development in Lesotho. This study assesses the prevalence of energy poverty and employs a multinomial logit model to analyse the determinants of energy poverty, using data from the Lesotho 2017 Household Energy Consumption Survey (HECS). The research study explores the impact of various socioeconomic and demographic factors on different categories of energy poverty during both summer and winter seasons. The statistical analysis was conducted using Gretl software, a robust, open-source tool specifically designed for econometric analysis. Gretl facilitated the multinomial logit model, enabling the identification of key socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing various categories of energy poverty. The analysis reveals seasonal variations in energy poverty, with a higher incidence of energy poverty during winter, highlighting the increased energy needs. The key determinants of energy poverty include household income, settlement type, education level and gender of the household head. Relatively higher income levels and urban or peri-urban households are less likely to experience energy poverty, while low-income and rural households face higher risks. The education of household heads has an impact on energy poverty but was found to be inconsistent across the summer and winter models. The summer model showed that higher education was protective against extreme energy poverty, while in the winter model, higher education showed a higher likelihood of transitioning from the non-energy poverty category to the transitional and moderate energy poverty categories. The study also highlights gender disparities, with female-headed households being more vulnerable to moderate energy poverty, particularly in summer. Based on these insights, the study provides policy recommendations aimed at enhancing energy access and reducing energy poverty, including targeted support for vulnerable groups, strengthening rural energy infrastructure and promoting educational initiatives on energy management. The findings offer valuable contributions to the ongoing policy discourse as Lesotho prepares to evaluate its national energy policy, presenting an opportunity to integrate these insights into future strategies.