Solar energy as a tool for poverty reduction and economic recovery in Nigeria - A Review

Abstract

This paper examined the link between provision of solar energy and its impact on poverty in Nigeria. Solar energy in the tropical countries is the most common and abundant form of all renewable energies and it is essential as an alternative to the present source of electricity in Nigeria as well as for the improvement of the living standards of both rural and urban dwellers in the area of job creations, provision of social amenities as well as boosting human and economic productivity. It enhances living conditions by providing better lighting for homes, alternative source of power for cooking, heating and even pumping of water for various use in agricultural production. This study found that, essential aspects of human welfare (leading to long and productive life, good health, access to knowledge and education opportunities, potential to carn sufficient income to supply ample nutrition, shelter and other materials and even to boast the economy) may improve only if an alternative source of energy to combat the present epileptic state of power supply is made available. The study also found that, solar energy can have major favourable effects in remote rural areas and as a very dependable form of renewable energy technologies, offer a key prospect in areas where the grid cannot reach. This paper is a contribution to a process towards the use of solar energy to be one of the instruments to reduce poverty in Nigeria.