Determinant and Impact of Renewable Energy Utilization on Farm Productivity in South-South Nigeria

Nigeria is endowed with abundant renewable and non-renewable energy resources but despite this abundance, the country is currently facing inadequate supply and widening demand for energy. In this study, we examine how farmers’ use of renewable energy is related to their productivity in Nigeria. Since not all farmers are using renewable energy in the study area, it is important to separate them into 2 groups, “Users” and “Non-users” in order to estimate the productivity level of each group. Primary data was analyzed using an endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) with a sample size of 313 farm households. The result of the study indicates that renewable energy use increased agricultural productivity by 39%. The study also reveals that of the farmers surveyed, 75% are willing to use renewable energy. These results provide knowledge to stakeholders on the need to protect agricultural land and increase agricultural production and productivity through continuous use of renewable energy.