Assessment of domestic fuelwood utilization in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated domestic fuelwood utilization in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State, Nigeria. This was as a  result of high rate of deforestation ongoing in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in interviewing 150 respondents  for this study. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results on socio-demographic characteristics  revealed that majority (50.7%) of fuelwood utilizers were females within the age range of 36 - 44 years having a mean age of 40 years. The  result further revealed that 36% of the respondents are married and having a mean household size of 5 individuals. Most of the  respondents were educated and their average monthly income ranged from ₦10,001-₦20,000 and a mean monthly income of ₦20,526.  Ziziphus mauritiana was mostly exploited and utilized by the respondents of the study area and has a mean value of 4.0. The results on  regression analysis for fuelwood utilization shows that double log was the best determinant with a coefficient of 0.925 and a root mean  square of 0.5434. Further findings from this study showed that due to the rate of exploitation of trees in the study area, environmental  challenges such as increase in temperature, flooding and erosion has become frequent, intense and having a devastating effects on the  livelihood of the people hence the need for affordable alternative sources of energy provided to ease the pressure on logging activities  within the area.