Evaluation of Commercial Woodfuel Harvesting in Nigeria's Kaduna State's Jema'a Local Government Area

Abstract

In any state or country, energy is the key component or instrument for socioeconomic development and a measure of prosperity. Although Nigeria has several clean energy resources, including geothermal, wind, solar, and hydropower, both rural and urban communities rely significantly on biomass fuels like charcoal, wood fuel, and manure to meet their energy demands. In order to provide information for decision-making, this article evaluates commercial woodfuel harvesting in Jema'a Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The questionnaire, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and direct field observation were used to gather data for this study. In order to analyze the data, descriptive statistics were used. The findings indicate that the elements that contribute to the rise in commercial woodfuel harvesting in the research region include poverty, unemployment, seasonality of employment, the availability of wood fuel resources in the area, the sufficiency of food, and a source of revenue. In Jema'a local government, the most popular tree species for commercial woodfuel harvesting are Madobiya, Baushe, Kashin awaki, Kafaffago, Marke, Jan yaro, and Kujeme. Due to their flammability, ability to convert wood fuel to charcoal after use, low smoke generation, and ease of resizing, the majority of these species are the most popular. It is advised that individuals in every region of the nation have access to reasonably priced clean and alternative energy sources.