Household Energy Transition and Forest Dependence after Fuel Subsidy Reform in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria

This study assessed the effects of removing the fuel subsidy on household energy preferences and forest resource utilisation in Ijebu-Ode Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 300 households selected through stratified random sampling across six communities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering household characteristics, energy sources before and after subsidy removal, forest-product use, and perceptions of environmental impact. Forest-product use was measured using a Likert-scale index. The findings showed a marked shift in household energy choices after subsidy removal, with reduced use of LPG and kerosene and increased dependence on firewood and charcoal. Mean household forest-product use increased from 1.92 before subsidy removal to 5.55 after subsidy removal. Regression analysis identified household size and previous forest-product use as important predictors of post-subsidy forest dependence, with the model explaining 63.5% of the variation. Although many respondents were aware of the environmental implications of forest-resource extraction, affordability constraints strongly shaped household energy decisions. The study concludes that removing fuel subsidies, unless accompanied by affordable clean-energy alternatives such as subsidised LPG, improved cookstoves, and solar-based solutions, may intensify energy poverty and increase pressure on local forest resources. Targeted support for LPG access, improved cookstoves, and community-level biomass governance is needed to reduce both energy poverty and forest degradation.