Measuring Energy Poverty in Cameroon: An Alternative View of the Problem

The objective of this paper is to explore the multidimensional aspect of energy poverty in Cameroon. It is structured around a composite indicator that reflects the diverse facets of this scourge: the quality of energy resources, the availability of those resources, the amount of energy used and the quality of access to energy. Indeed, although the term energy poverty appears in official documents, reflecting various aspects of the reality of households, studies on this phenomenon are generally based on a strict indicator. In this study, we are going beyond the one-dimensional consideration of the extent of energy poverty, developing a multi-dimensional vision of the phenomenon. Energy poverty is reflected in the Cameroonian households with a lack of access to some modern energy resources because of their unavailability or low availability. The results obtained show the importance of energy poverty according to place of residence, the standard of living of households, gender of head of household, level of education, and religion. The following analysis of these characteristics should guide policy makers on priority targets of a fight against fuel poverty policy aimed at reducing social inequalities.