Determinants of Household Utilization of Cooking Gas in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Household consumption is a composition of valuables especially items which serve to measure perceived standard of living. Cooking gas is choice of consumption and global standard for healthy living. Against this backdrop, the study examined determinants of utilization intention of cooking gas among households in Ibadan. This study is hinged on Rational Choice Theory (RCT) and adopted survey exploratory design. Unit of analysis consisted of household classified into middle income and low income. Sample size was 600 and statistically determined. Data were collected and analysed quantitatively using close-ended questionnaire, descriptive and inferential parametric statistic. Study sample was selected using multistage sampling technique which consisted of purposive, random ballot, systematic and accidental. Demographically, 89.2% adopted cooking gas and mean age was 39.5. Determinants of utilization was classified by household-income, size, proximity and class. Mean scores were obtained for income (m=1.5); household-size (m=2.4); proximity (1.9); and class (m=2.6). There was possible occurrence of income, household size, proximity and class as determinant of cooking gas intention concurrently, income (R² =.78); household-size (R² =.50); proximity (R² =.67); and class (R² =.70) predicted household intention and utilization of cooking gas. Household intention of utilization of cooking-gas in Ibadan was majorly constrained by income despite overwhelming adoption of consumption choice. It is recommended that state policy intention should leverage household consumption of cooking gas for affordability.