INTEGRATING HOME ECONOMICS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLD ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This paper focuses on how Home Economics information and emerging technologies could continue to play a role in fostering sustainable household energy management in Nigeria. A mixed-method design was used in this study whereby 250 households in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas in Delta State were surveyed using structured questionnaires and 25 face-to-face interviews. The instrument used for data collection was validated through face and content validity by experts in Home Economics and Measurement and Evaluation, while reliability testing using Cronbach’s alpha yielded a coefficient of 0.89, indicating high internal consistency. Quantitative data were evaluated with the help of SPSS (Version 27) and the use of certain statistical tests such as t-tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression analyses, whereas qualitative data were examined by means of the thematic analysis. The findings indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in monthly energy expenditures of 47 percent (mean) after the implementation of Home Economics concepts and application of smart meters, LED lighting, and solar photovoltaic systems, t ( 249 ) = 20.233, p <.001. Regression analysis showed that households with higher levels of Home Economics knowledge and greater adoption of solar technology achieved significantly higher energy savings, whereas household income had no meaningful influence on savings outcomes. This suggests that informed energy management practices and the use of renewable energy technologies were more important determinants of sustainable household energy efficiency than financial status. Qualitative findings further demonstrated that competencies such as budgeting skills and energy-conscious behaviour played a critical role in promoting sustainable household energy practices and long-term energy conservation. The research highlights the opportunities of integrating education and technology in improving energy efficiency in households and provides policy suggestions in the reformation of school curricula and sensitization of communities.