Drivers of the choice of biomass energy by households in Togo

The aim of this work is to contribute to the econometric analysis of wood energy in households in Togo for the sustainable management of forest resources. Specifically, it is to analyze the determinants of the choice of charcoal as the main source of energy for cooking in households. The multinomial logit model is used to analyze these determinants. At the end of the study, it appears that the firewood is consumed mainly in rural areas and charcoal and LPG are consumed in urban areas. Income of the household head, age, education, household size, mode of supply of firewood (or charcoal) and place of residence are factors that significantly influence the choice of charcoal compared to firewood or LPG as the main source of energy for cooking in households. To address the demand of charcoal, these factors should be taken into account in the decision making process. Income is a key factor for the adoption of LPG, its subvention is therefore vital to facilitate its extension to reduce pressure on forest resources.