Comparative Analysis of Fuelwood Utilization In-and-Aroud Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study compared the level of fuelwood utilization in and around Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The data for this study was acquired from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through structured interview and questionnaire survey. The respondents were selected from both rural and urban Ikara. Stratified sampling method was used in administering the questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is the predominant tree used for fuelwood in the area. Other tree species that are used for fuelwood in the area include Locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), Acacia (senegalia greggii), Tamarindus (Tamarindus indica), and Neem (Azadirachta indica). In addition, findings revealed that the demand for fuelwood is higher in rural Ikara where family sizes are higher and the fuelwood sources are more readily available than in urban Ikara. It was also found that the demand for fuelwood is not only influenced by family size and population growth, but accessibility, affordability and availability are other important determinants. Government should embark on intensive afforestation and mobilize people to engage in public and private afforestation programs in the area. In addition, people should be properly enlightened on the environmental implications on fuelwood consumption in the area. Also, laws regulating cutting down of trees should be reviewed and enforced by the government.

Author(s): Muhammad Isma’il*, Amina Maiwada, Anas Bashir, Ibrahim Jaro Musa, Gaddafi Adamu and Hannatu Babajo

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