THE PATTERN OF FUEL WOOD SUPPLY TO GOMBE URBAN AREA, GOMBE STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of, and the factors that influence fuelwood supply to Gombe urban area. The specific objectives were to analyze the daily and seasonal supply of fuelwood into the town, examine the factors that influence the usage of fuelwood as well as the participants in the fuelwood business. The study adopted mix-method research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents. The instruments used for data collection included Global Positioning System (GPS) and structured interview guide. The results of data analyzed revealed that the mean quantity of fuelwood supply in the dry season was 210 tons while supply in the rainy season was 122 tons. Thus, the prices of fuelwood were found to be higher in the wet season than in the dry season due to shortage of supply. Furthermore, fuelwood business in the study area was dominated by men, a situation that was traceable to socio-cultural factors. Interaction with fuelwood cutters and transporters indicated that fuelwood cutting which started a long time ago has been on the increase. Stakeholders in fuelwood business (forest guards, community leaders, union leaders etc.) expressed worries about decline in the density of trees with the negative environmental consequences. End users were of the opinion that family size, fuelwood availability and price, socio-cultural and safety considerations were among factors that influence use of fuelwood. In order to halt the reckless felling of trees and the attendant environmental degradation, urgentinterventionsare required from government and non-governmental organization to find alternative sources of domestic energy. This should focus on intensified efforts towards the supply of environmental friendly cooking stoves at affordable prices.