Development and the fuelwood situation in Nigeria

Abstract

Fuelwood cutting, collection, and distribution is one the most widespread industries in Nigeria, but there is increasing evidence that it is dependent on a dwindling resource. The use of this resource is highly localised since, with certain exceptions, fuelwood cannot be transported economically for any great distance. The future of the fuelwood industry therefore depends as much on the question of accessibility to population as on the growth of suitable trees. An important factor is rapid urbanization, combined with high rates of population increase. Fuelwood supply areas are extremely concentrated around large cities and exhibit a supply gradient with distance. Tree selection, pollarding, and a relationship to fallow agricultural land are important ecological features. Relatively high costs of energy substitutes or reluctance to use them have encouraged a rising demand for fuelwood, pushing the limits of collection outward from market centres and bringing serious reduction or even elimination of supply from nearby locations.