Utilization pattern of biomass energy and socioeconomic dimensions associated with Yelandur, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Energy is considered as a key factor which determines the economic development in the entire sector of any region. Biomass is one of the primary energy sources in rural areas. The study was carried out to examine the utilization pattern of biomass energy and socioeconomic dimensions associated with rural areas of Yelandur, Karnataka, India. Field studies in these villages covering 645 households were made to collect the data and assess the socioeconomic conditions that govern the biomass utilization pattern for meeting energy requirements. Firewood is the primary energy source (94.78 %) for cooking and heating among these rural folk. Most of them are illiterates (60 %) with 28.96 % of them having a meagre income. Traditional biomass stoves are used predominantly. The study shows that there is a positive correlation (R 2 = 0.98) between the households size and volume of firewood consumption. The study has revealed that the firewood fuels are the dominant source of energy for cooking and heating purposes. © 2014 The Author(s).