Ouagadougou: Student Moulirou Belem received his doctorate from Thomas Sankara University with honors on Wednesday, defending his unique doctoral thesis in economics and management. He demonstrated that the use of butane gas has a positive effect on household health and the environment, advocating for the maintenance of gas subsidies and investment in road infrastructure to improve accessibility to the product.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Belem highlighted that the use of butane gas significantly contributes to reducing deforestation in Burkina Faso. This deforestation is primarily linked to the use of traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal, which are utilized by more than 87% of the population, adversely impacting health and the environment.
Dr. Belem also suggested that improving road infrastructure could facilitate the increased use of butane gas, either in combination with traditional fuels or as a standalone energy source. This shift could potentially lead to more sustainable energy consumption patterns in Burkina Faso.
The thesis further explored the supply side of butane gas, an area that remains largely unexplored in the country. Dr. Belem intends to propose feasible policies to public authorities to promote the wider adoption of butane gas.
Dr. Zoungrana Didier, the thesis supervisor, praised the work as a high-quality exploration of a relevant societal issue. He noted that the research demonstrates a direct link between butane gas usage and reduced deforestation, with one gram of butane gas reducing deforestation by 0.013 cubic meters.
The public authorities were urged to utilize the findings of the thesis for informed decision-making to promote butane gas usage. The research was deemed the first scientific reflection in this field within Burkina Faso.
Dr. Moulirou Belem's thesis focused on the theme: 'Determinants and socio-environmental effects of the use of butane gas by households in Burkina Faso'. The jury, comprising experts from various universities, declared the work worthy of interest and awarded Dr. Belem the degree of doctor with a very honorable mention in the field of Economic and Management Sciences, specializing in Development Economics.