DOES SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTOR DETERMINE BIOMASS FUELS USE IN MARGINALISED AREAS OF NIGERIA? Oluwakemi Akintan| School of Geography| University of Nottingham MEGS Christmas Event, University of Birmingham, UK| 15th December 2010

Background Biomass fuels – (wood, charcoal, animal dung, agricultural wastes, sawdust) are used by about 80% of the rural populace in developing countries for cooking, heating and lighting (Ezzati, 2005; Smith et al. 2003)

Aim of the study Is to unravel the socio-cultural factors underlying the use of biomass fuel in peri-urban areas of Nigeria.

Methodology On-Site observation Qualitative method – interviews

Preliminary Findings ‘...our forefathers made use of firewood to cook and light their houses; they even lived longer than this present generation...’ HH 1 ‘...the pollution we suffer is not from the fuel wood, it is nature (breeze) that brings the pollution...’ HH 3

Cont.. ‘...cooking with sacred trees causes still birth or abortion among women...’ HH 5 ‘...this is all that we know in cooking our food. It is fast in cooking and very convenient for us...’ HH 7

Cont..

Impact Poor Air Quality

Impact Accumulation of soot in homes

Conclusion Existing beliefs and norms in communities is vital in understanding indoor air pollution: Guide for Appropriate Technology/Intervention

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