Perception of Energy-Efficient Bulb Production and Its Influence on Pro-Environmental Conservation Behaviour among City Dwellers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the perception of city dwellers towards the production of energy-efficient bulbs and its influence on pro-environmental conservation behaviour in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two corresponding null hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised residents of Port Harcourt City and Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State. A sample of 396 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling technique.
A researcher-developed questionnaire titled Perception of Energy-Efficient Bulb Production and Pro-Environmental Conservation Behaviour Questionnaire (PEEBPECBQ) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts in Educational Psychology and Measurement and Evaluation. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.76, which indicated acceptable internal consistency.
Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while independent samples t-test and regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses and determine predictive relationships at 0.05 level of significance.
Findings revealed that respondents from higher socioeconomic status had a significantly more positive perception of energy-efficient bulbs and stronger pro-environmental conservation behaviour than respondents from lower socioeconomic status. Similarly, graduates demonstrated significantly more favourable perceptions than non-graduates. Regression results further indicated that socioeconomic status and educational qualification significantly predicted perception of energy-efficient bulb adoption.
The study concluded that socioeconomic and educational factors are important determinants of positive environmental behaviour and acceptance of sustainable energy technologies. It was recommended that government agencies, environmental organisations, and educational institutions intensify awareness campaigns, provide subsidies, and integrate environmental education into formal and informal learning systems.