Biomass Energy Utilisation, Air Quality and the Health of Rural Women and Children in Ido LGA, South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Lack of affordable alternative energy source in most rural areas of Nigeria has resulted in overdependence on fuel-wood for domestic energy supply. The resultant environmental pollution and negative health impact on women and children that are often exposed are sufficient reasons for research and policy concerns. We investigated the pattern of energy utilisation in some rural communities and the impact on the health condition of women and children, and the environment by engaging questionnaire interview, retrospective clinic data and air quality monitoring. Fuel-wood used by 75% of the women was sourced from the forest around rural settlements. Although 72% of the women had difficulties using fuel-wood, because no money was paid for exploiting it, it remained the most utilised energy source. The concentration of CO, NO2 and H2S (82.3 ± 2.26, 0.21 ± 0.01 and 0.18 ± 0.01 ppm, respectively) in the indoor environment of the selected houses were higher than the permissible limit for human exposure. Common health problems suffered by the sampled rural women and their children included upper respiratory infection, dizziness, eye irritation, catarrh, sneezing, persistent headache and anaemia in pregnancy. Intervention for alternative cleaner energy provision is required in rural areas of the country as a matter of priority.