This study employs a mixed-methods research approach to scrutinize the varied determinants influencing the willingness of off-grid rural households in Kwara State, Nigeria, to adopt Solar Home Systems (SHS). Integrating quantitative survey data from 400 households, qualitative findings derived from semi-structured interviews, and secondary data, the research provides a robust empirical framework. Through the application of Interval Regression and Tobit models, the analysis pinpoints income and education as key positive drivers towards SHS adoption, yet reveals a contrasting gender divide. Interestingly, a high level of satisfaction with the current energy provision emerges as a stumbling block to SHS acceptance. The research further identifies a distinct trend: households located further away from the grid exhibit a heightened propensity to pay for SHS, signifying a higher value attribution to SHS in these off-grid areas. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that encapsulate the diverse characteristics of households to ensure successful SHS promotion. The comprehensive insights garnered from this study offer indispensable guidance for policymakers and energy providers, bolstering strategic efforts to enhance SHS uptake and ultimately contributing to Nigeria's shift towards a more sustainable energy future.

The efficiency with which farmers use resources and technologies available to them are imperative in boosting production. However, activities of armed bandits, conflict between farmers and pastoralists, rising prices amid decreasing consumer purchasing power and diminishing household incomes are some factors that impede agricultural production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the technical efficiency of soybean production among small holder farmers in Niger State. A three stage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents for the study. Primary data collected with the aid of structured questionnaires were analyzed using stochastic frontier Cobb-Douglas production function model. Results showed that the mean technical efficiency level of the respondents was 0.89 which implies that a typical soybean farmer in the study area could increase output by 11% using the same input bundle. Also, the efficiency model shows that coefficients of farm size, seed quantity and labour were positively significant which indicates that that increase in these variables will lead to increase in technical efficiency. The inefficiency model reveals that coefficients of credit and extension visit were positively significant while those of age and farming experience were negatively significant. This means that as credit and extension visit increases, technical efficiency decreases; while increase in age and farming experience will increase technical efficiency. The study recommended that extension services should be streamlined so that farmers do not receive conflicting information as this could hinder efficiency in production. Also, credit given to farmers should be monitored to ensure effective utilization.

This investigation scrutinizes the adoption dynamics and willingness to pay (WTP) for Solar Home Systems (SHS) within the context of rural off-grid communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. A comprehensive survey was administered to 400 households to explore their perspectives towards SHS and to ascertain their valuation of these systems. The results reveal a favourable disposition towards SHS, with a notable proportion of participants favouring personal ownership of SHS even in the event of future grid electricity availability in their localities. The consensus among respondents was that SHS provide sufficient energy to cater to their needs and could potentially act as an income source. The Payment Card (PC) method within the Contingent Valuation (CV) framework was utilized to determine WTP, eliciting precise values from the surveyed households. The derived average monthly WTP for SHS fluctuated between 72% and 75% of the current market rates, exposing an affordability challenge as the WTP falls short of the prevailing market prices. In light of fostering wider adoption, it is imperative for policymakers and SHS providers to consider market price reductions and the initiation of innovative pricing mechanisms that align with household financial capacities. Further research is encouraged on alternative financing strategies and potential subsidy programs to bridge the affordability gap and bolster SHS accessibility in off-grid rural areas. Understanding the household adoption dynamics and WTP for SHS is instrumental in driving sustainable energy transitions and enhancing the living standards of rural dwellers.