An Explanation of the Factors Responsible for Fuelwood Consumption in Zaria and its Region, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the factors responsible for fuelwood consumption by households in Zaria and its
regions. A systematic (probability) sampling technique was employed in selecting the wards from each Local
Government Area (LGA) that make upthe study area. The study used questionnaire to collect data from 384
respondents that constitute households and commercial fuelwood vendors. On average, most of the commercial
fuelwood vendors (50%) and the households (39%) have spent over 30 years in fuelwood production and
consumption respectively. The respondents for the main survey were selected randomly (by visiting as many
households as possible in the sixteen electorate divisions) with no regard to any probability in the selection
process to determine the factors influencing fuelwood consumption and the preferred tree/shrub species for
firewood in the households. Results showed that majority (77.3%) of the respondents used fuelwood as their
major source of energy, it further showed that cheapeness (64%), affordability (8.8) and availability (5%) of
fuelwood were found to be the factors responsible for fuelwood consumption in the area. The most preferred
tree and shrub species for fuelwood were Isobalina doka (85%), Eucalyptus (83%), Prosopis Africana (73%),
Agnogeissus leicarpus (68%), and Parkia biglobosa (63%) among others. Most of the species were reported to
have good combustion characteristics. The study recommends that there is urgent need for government to
provide cheap, reliable and sustainable sources of energy at affordable prices. Cultivation of fast growing tree
species needed to accelerate the regeneration of forests.