Solid Biofuel Usage and Households' Behavior Toward Energy Choice in Northwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Energy poverty remains a major challenge of the 21st century. It reflects a trade‐off between satisfying current energy demands and protecting the environment. Similarly, in North Gondar, the sector continues to challenge socioeconomic development and adversely affects household health and the environment, with limited progress in switching to clean energy sources. Household fuel preference plays a central role in shaping this transition. This study examined the extent of solid biofuel usage and household energy choice behavior in Northwest Ethiopia, using data collected from 384 randomly selected households and a multivariate probit model to capture the interrelated nature of fuel choices. The results indicate a heavy reliance on solid biomass, which accounts for 90% of cooking energy use and 76% of lighting energy consumption. Empirical findings reveal that households living in urban areas, with higher incomes and better educational backgrounds, are more likely to adopt cleaner energy sources. Older households, those living far from markets, and households with larger livestock holdings continue to rely on traditional biomass fuels. The study concludes that household energy choice in the area follows a fuel‐stacking pattern rather than a simple linear transition along the energy ladder. On the basis of the insights, the study recommends strengthening public awareness campaigns, prioritizing pro‐poor energy transition measures, supporting afforestation efforts, and promoting environmentally friendly biomass practices to improve household energy use and accelerate the transition to clean energy sources in Northwest Ethiopia.