Rural energy needs and rural development: the case of Dangme West District, Ghana

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
1991-05-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Energy is basic for the daily survival of man and forms a basic input in domestic and socio—economic activity of man and so influences development. Information about the sources, pattern of use and impacts of energy in a society is therefore an important tool for development. In the Dangme West District such information is lacking to a large extent, and disorganized at best. The recognition of such information for development of energy and overall rural development influenced this study. The study through a sample survey of households in 10 settlements in the district brings out the high dependence of the district on biomass fuel - firewood and charcoal to meet domestic and non- domestic needs. Kerosene is also found to be the major source of fuel for lighting. The efficiency of use of these fuels was found to be very low and the level of consumption varies with household size - with smaller households consuming higher amounts per head. The demand level of fuelwood.in the district was found to be higher than the available supply and the scarcity is seen in the increasing distance to the source of fuel and also the proportion of households that purchase their fuelwood. The scarcity of fuel is also expressed in the damage to the environment through deforestation and erosion; which have resulted not only from meeting energy needs but also through inappropriate farming methods. The energy situation affects the development of the district by reducing the productivity of the people — as health hazards result from the use of and search for the energy, education is adversely affected and environment degraded. Another area where the energy situation affects the development of the district is the diversion of productive investment to meet energy needs. The need to intervene in the energy sector to improve the district’s development is recognised. Recommendations made for intervening in energy are aimed at increasing energy supply and improving the efficiency of energy use. Other areas recommended include the improvement in the farming practices and reduction in population growth. Implementation of suggested interventions can only be made through the decentralized administrative structure in the district and also through a system of community participation. The implementation of the recommendations is seen as a means of accelerating the district’s development
Description
A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Development Planning and Management, 1991
Keywords
Citation
Collections