The social fuel of last resort: Why communities burn their own waste
A study in Northwest Nigeria investigates the social and economic drivers behind the widespread practice of burning garbage and plastic for fuel. Published in Energy Research & Social Science, the research moves beyond technical solutions to explore the complex local realities—such as energy poverty, waste management infrastructure gaps, and informal economies—that make this harmful practice a rational, if dangerous, choice for households. The findings highlight the critical intersection of energy access, environmental health, and social policy in developing regions.
Why it might matter to you:
This research underscores that energy transitions are fundamentally human and social challenges, not just technical ones. For someone with your background in public-sector energy procurement, it offers a crucial reminder that effective policy must be grounded in an understanding of local behaviors and constraints. The study’s approach provides a framework for analyzing the unintended consequences of energy systems, which is directly applicable to strategic planning and community-focused energy initiatives.
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