Remittances and Household Adoption of Clean Cooking Energy in Ghana

Purpose: Access to clean and sustainable energy sources promotes long-term economic growth by improving environmental quality and human well-being. However, most homes in poor nations depend on polluting solid fuels, which has profound implications for environmental sustainability and human health. This study examines the impact of remittance inflows on household decisions related to clean cooking fuel. It evaluates the effects of remittance income on selecting clean energy for cooking in Ghana's rural and urban regions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used probit regression and data from the seventh wave of the Ghana Living Standards Survey. Findings: The results show that while remittance inflows significantly and positively influenced clean cooking energy choices, their effects are more significant on urban families' clean energy choices than rural households. Families in rural and urban areas positively and significantly connect their clean energy usage to non-remittance income and education. In contrast, household size, rural location, age, and poverty negatively influence using clean cooking energy. Finally, deprived urban residents may choose alternative energy sources over clean cooking fuel. Research Limitation: This research focused on remittances and household clean cooking fuel in Ghana. Practical Implication: The results suggest that economic factors, demographic characteristics, and socioeconomic status influence clean energy adoption. Social Implication: The findings imply that devising the right policies to encourage remittance inflows and addressing causal poverty issues presents viable options for policymakers. Originality/Value: By examining the impact of remittances on household decisions related to clean cooking fuel in the Global South, a topic largely neglected in existing literature, the study adds to the body of knowledge on energy consumption in developing countries. The study provides significant insights for policymakers and stakeholders promoting sustainable energy transitions.