Unveiling Determinants of Household Lighting Preferences in Rural Tanzania: Insights for Sustainable Energy Access

Abstract This study delves into the intricate determinants that steer household lighting preferences in rural Tanzania, where reliance on traditional lighting persists despite ongoing electrification efforts. Employing a quantitative methodology, the research scrutinizes factors that either impede or facilitate the adoption of modern and sustainable lighting sources. Grounded in the Random Utility Theory, the investigation utilizes the Multinomial Logit Model to analyze data sourced from the Tanzania Panel Survey of 2020/2021. The findings unearth several significant influencers of lighting choices among households in rural Tanzania. Firstly, household age emerges as a noteworthy factor, displaying a negative correlation with the likelihood of opting for electricity as a lighting source. Additionally, households headed by males exhibit decreased odds of selecting solar and candle lighting alternatives. Moreover, larger households tend to shy away from electricity, preferring alternative lighting options. On the other hand, employment status and higher income levels positively correlate with the adoption of electricity and candle lighting. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of factors that shape household lighting preferences in rural Tanzanian settings. Consequently, addressing these determinants emerges as pivotal in fostering sustainable and affordable energy access. Policy implications drawn from this research underscore the necessity for targeted interventions that address socioeconomic and demographic dynamics. Such interventions are crucial for enhancing the efficacy of rural electrification initiatives and ultimately improving the quality of life for rural Tanzanian households