Factors Influencing the Energy Choice by Bakeries in Bauchi Metropolis

Abstract

The study assesses factors influencing the energy choice by bakeries in Bauchi metropolis with a view to provide information for sustainable management of the environment. The data were obtained through both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires was designed to get the factors influencing energy choice by bakeries.  One hundred copies of questionnaire were administered to the respondents of the bakeries identified. The totals of 40 bakeries were identified using snow-ball sampling method in Bauchi state, the rate of energy choice by bakeries is a great concern.  The findings show that 57.50% preferred to use woodfuel as a source of energy for baking because it is cheaper. Average bundle of woodfuel which weigh about 3.30 kg, with 6 pieces cost about N55. On other hand, 77.50% bakeries that use electricity as the source of energy for baking of bread prefer it due to their location close to the blue line (accessibility), because they made an agreement with the power staff and were connected to the relatively stable blue line (a 33kv electricity line which is meant for industries in the state), thereby having a near constant power supply. From the result, bakeries that use woodfuel preferred it due to its cheapness; the reason is that Bauchi state span two distinctive vegetation zone: guinea and sudan savannahs where there exist trees, therefore woodfuel is available and cheaper compared with other sources of energy while electric bakeries preferred best on the accessibility with blue line. The study recommends Public awareness should be given to bakers about the implication of massive deforestation and the emission of carbon in to the atmosphere.