Page 15 - GHES-3-1

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Energy consumption and life expectancy in West Africa

to have a positive relationship with LEXP. A panel ARDL data series are stationary at level I(0), first difference I(1),
model was used to estimate the results. Pre-test analyses, or both. It can also verify if the time-series data exhibit
such as descriptive analysis, unit root test, and cointegration cointegration. Table 2 shows that H of no cointegration
0
test were conducted to obtain the time series and descriptive among the variables was rejected because the probability
properties of the data and avoid spurious estimates. value was less than the 5% significance level.
4. Analysis and interpretation It was confirmed that there is a long-run relationship
between the dependent and independent variables; hence,
4.1. Results of the stationarity test we next estimated the long- and short-run results.

Table 1 presents the results of the augmented Dickie– 4.3. Evaluation of estimates
Fuller (ADF) test comprising Fisher’s Chi-square and Choi
Z-statistics at 5% critical value. Table 3 presents the long- and short-run results of the
ARDL model.
Decision rule: Reject the null hypothesis (H ) if the
0
probabilities obtained from Fisher’s Chi-square and Choi 4.4. Discussion
Z-statistic are greater than what is obtained from the ADF Panel A of Table 3 shows that REC in lower-middle-
test at the 5% significance level; otherwise, accept H . income West African countries significantly and positively
0
Table 1 shows that at the first difference, the probability affected life expectancy in the long run. This implies that
values of LEXP, REC, NREC, GDPpc, and FP obtained from efficient/modern energy sources are not detrimental to
Fisher’s Chi-square and Choi Z-statistic were significant at the environment as they do not emit harmful pollutants.
less than the 5% significance level. Therefore, we rejected A greater reliance on renewable energy would result in
H of LEXP, REC, NREC, and FP and accepted H , meaning reduced air pollution and improved air quality, leading
1
0
that the variables at first difference were stationary. to a lower incidence of health-related problems. This
Furthermore, the probability values of HEXP and CPI may increase life expectancy as clean air promotes better
obtained from Fisher’s Chi-square and Choi Z-statistic respiratory health. Several communities, especially in
were less than the 5% significance level. Therefore, we the developing world, lack reliable access to electricity.
rejected H of HEXP and CPI and accepted H in that they Transitioning to renewable energy can provide these
0
1
have no unit root problems and are integrated at order zero. communities a more consistent and affordable energy
supply, positively affecting healthcare, education, sanitation,
4.2. Panel ARDL cointegration test
and overall quality of life. Better access to energy can lead
Pesaran et al. (2001) developed the ARDL to estimate to improved healthcare facilities, better refrigeration for
relationships among variables. ARDL is used when the vaccines and medicines, and enhanced communication
Table 1. Results of the panel unit root (ADF) test

Variables ADF Chi‑square & ADF Prob. ADF Chi‑square & Prob. Order of integration Remarks
Z‑statistis at level ADF Z‑statistic at level
LEXP 3.48817 0.9675 5.22091−4.20572 0.00002 1 (1) Stationary
1.45025 0.9265 0.00005
REC 4.29591 0.9330 45.7701−4.96379 0.00003 1 (1) Stationary
1.47421 0.9298 0.00007
NREC 10.7879−0.79912 0.3743 44.6879−5.63088 0.00006 1 (1) Stationary
0.2121 0.00004
GDPpc 9.93549−0.52612 0.4462 47.9049−5.19037 0.00008 1 (1) Stationary
0.2994 0.00002
HEXP 16.0301−1.72279 0.0188 1 (0) Stationary
0.0425
CPI 18.7265−2.21565 0.0439 1 (0) Stationary
0.0134
FP 5.47272 0.8815 42.3002−4.56944 0.00002 1 (1) Stationary
1.61847 0.9472 0.00004
Note: ADF: Augmented Dickie-Fuller. Source: Authors’ computation, 2024, using Eviews 9. Abbreviation: GDP: Gross domestic product.

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.3518