Conceptualizing and measuring energy poverty in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Energy poverty is one of the main challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. It has been experienced worldwide at different intensities and driving causes. Similarly, in northwestern Ethiopia, the energy sector has remains a multifaceted challenges with significant socio-economic and health implication. However, empirical evidences on its magnitude and underling driving causes are limited. This study aims to characterize, measure the intensity, and identify the factors influencing energy poverty in North Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and semi-structured questionnaires were employed to collect data from 384 randomly selected households using a three-stage sampling approach. The Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI), constructed using five dimensions and six indicators, was employed to assess the incidence of energy poverty. A logit model was then applied to identify its key determinants. The results indicate that 85.15% of households are multidimensionally energy-poor, while a MEPI score of 68.8%, reflecting sever energy poverty in North Gondar. According to the results of a logit model, energy poverty was negatively associated with male-headed households, annual income, education status, off-farm participation, location in an urban/semi-urban area, and frequency of extension contacts. Subsequently, the study highlighted the need for targeted interventions, including strengthening awareness campaigns, promotion of environmentally friendly biofuels, and pro-poor, gender sensitive energy policy tailored to rural context to reduce the severity of energy poverty.