AN INVESTIGATION ON FUEL WOOD CRISIS. A CASE STUDY OF MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN

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AN INVESTIGATION ON FUEL WOOD CRISIS. A CASE STUDY OF MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN

Abstract:

The fuel wood crisis is a pressing environmental and socio-economic challenge, particularly in urban centers like Maiduguri Metropolitan in Nigeria. This study conducts an in-depth investigation into the multifaceted dimensions of the fuel wood crisis, examining its root causes, socio-economic implications, and environmental consequences within the context of Maiduguri Metropolitan. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and field observations to gather comprehensive data on fuel wood consumption patterns, alternative energy sources, and community perceptions.

The findings of this investigation aim to shed light on the severity of the fuel wood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan, identifying factors such as population growth, deforestation, and inadequate alternative energy infrastructure as contributors. The socio-economic impacts on households, particularly women and marginalized communities heavily dependent on fuel wood, are analyzed. Additionally, the environmental consequences, including deforestation and air pollution, are assessed to understand the broader implications of the crisis.

Through a case study lens, this research intends to inform policymakers, environmentalists, and community stakeholders about the urgency of addressing the fuel wood crisis. The study also explores potential sustainable interventions, such as promoting alternative energy sources, community-based forestry initiatives, and awareness campaigns. By providing a nuanced understanding of the fuel wood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan, this investigation contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on sustainable energy, environmental conservation, and community resilience in urban areas facing similar challenges.

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Access to sustainable energy resources is a crucial determinant of a community’s well-being and development. In many regions, particularly in developing countries, reliance on traditional sources of energy, such as fuelwood, remains prevalent. The city of Maiduguri, situated in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is confronted with a burgeoning fuelwood crisis. The escalating demand for fuelwood, driven by rapid population growth and urbanization, has placed immense pressure on the local ecosystem, resulting in deforestation, environmental degradation, and heightened competition for this indispensable energy source.

The fuelwood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan has far-reaching implications, not only for the environment but also for the socio-economic fabric of the community. As households and businesses grapple with the diminishing availability of fuelwood, there is a pressing need for an in-depth investigation to comprehend the root causes, assess the socio-economic impacts, and propose sustainable interventions to alleviate the crisis.

The primary environmental concern in most developing countries centres on household cooking choices. The types of energy sources used are more relevant than ever before from a policy standpoint.

Thus, Most countries have embarked on campaigns aimed at encouraging households to shift their

energy types towards clean and efficient energy use that have less impact on the environment, social and health (Assa, Maonga & Gebremariam, 2015). The over-dependence on biomass fuel by households has contributed significantly to various environmental problems such as deforestation and forest degradation. Economic growth is also affected through the acceleration of soil erosion and the use of crop residue as fuel instead of manure to improve soil fertility which consequently leads to low food productivity (Food and Agricultural Organization [FAO], 2016). Similarly, the use of biomass as cooking fuel is associated with indoor air pollution leading to household respiratory health problems (Ezzati & Kammen, 2002). About 1.5 million people die prematurely annually due to indoor air pollution related to solid fuels use (International Energy Agency, 2006).

Household energy sources are classified into clean and dirty fuels (Maina, 2018). Clean energy sources include electricity generated from all renewable energy types such as wind, solar, Hydro and Geothermal (Quaschning, 2016). These clean fuels harm the environment minimally and are replenished continuously (Europa, 2015). Liquefied Petroleum Gas [LPG] on the other hand is also considered as a clean fuel source, although it originates from natural gas, it is non-toxic, and a high proportion of its energy content is converted into heat. It is more efficient than biomass fuels. Thus, it results in less energy wastage and more efficient use of natural resources (Nett technology, 2017). Dirty energy sources, on the other hand, include all forms of fossil fuels that significantly affect the environment and to the planet in general (Ciolkosz & Wallace, 2011). These dirty fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning these fuels release a substantial amount of Green House Gases [GHG] such as Carbon-dioxide CO2, Carbon monoxide (CO) and Methane that accelerate Climate Change (CC) impact (Greenpeace, 2016 & James & Alhaji, 2017).

The households in the Northeast zone of Nigeria, where the study area (Borno) lies, rely heavily on dirty energy sources. The major factors influencing such energy used pattern include affordability, availability and accessibility. The use of electricity for cooking is very low in the urban areas due to the epileptic nature of its supply while the situation in the rural areas, is most households are not even connected to the National Electricity Grid. With regards to LPG., its relatively high cost hinders its acceptability (Maina, 2018). Thus, it makes the households too dependent on alternative source of fuels that are environmentally dirty. Similarly, Borno state the study area, despite being well endowed with a renewable energy source, e.g. solar energy, still the households use alternative fuels for cooking and lighting (FAO, 2019).

Apart from the aforementioned factors, the household’s socio-economic characteristics such as monthly income, family size, age of household head and rural-urban dichotomy (area of residence) also do influence the pattern and the expenditure energy sources (Kavi & Brinda, 2007 & Maina, 2018). Hence, there is the need to understand the types of energy used by these households, whether clean or dirty, because their consumption pattern could have an implication on the environment.

Numerous studies have been conducted on energy use to mention, but a few are a study by

Bello (2011), which assessed the impact of wealth distribution on energy consumption in Gombe state. Another study by Ojo, & Chuffor (2013) was on the accessibility to domestic energy but was among rural households of Damboa, which is a local government in the study area of this work. While Maina, Dantama & Kyari, and (2017) looked at determinants of energy demand in the northeast zone of Nigeria. Each of these studies has some shortfalls. Therefore, this paper bridges a gap by classifying the types of energy used in the study area as clean or dirty and their implications on the environment. This study considers three objectives it; examines the socio-economic characteristics of household heads, it assesses the determinants of the major factors influencing the likelihood of using a particular fuel, and it examines the pattern of energy used and its implication on the environment.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increasing scarcity of fuelwood in Maiduguri Metropolitan is a critical issue that necessitates urgent attention. The surge in demand, coupled with inadequate reforestation efforts and inefficient energy utilization, has led to a situation where the demand for fuelwood outstrips the natural replenishment rate. Consequently, this has given rise to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and a decline in biodiversity. Furthermore, the fuelwood crisis adversely affects the livelihoods of communities, particularly those dependent on this energy source for cooking, heating, and income generation.

Understanding the multifaceted dimensions of the fuelwood crisis is essential for devising sustainable strategies that balance the energy needs of the community with environmental preservation. This study seeks to investigate the root causes of the fuelwood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan, assess its socio-economic ramifications, and propose viable solutions to promote a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of this research are as follows:

To identify and analyze the root causes of the fuelwood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan.

To assess the socio-economic impacts of the fuelwood crisis on households, businesses, and the local community.

To examine existing initiatives and interventions aimed at addressing the fuelwood crisis in the region.

To propose sustainable strategies and interventions for mitigating the fuelwood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan.

1.4 Research Questions

This study will address the following research questions:

What are the primary causes of the fuelwood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan?

How does the fuelwood crisis impact the socio-economic conditions of households and businesses in the area?

What existing initiatives or interventions are in place to address the fuelwood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan?

What sustainable strategies and interventions can be proposed to mitigate the fuelwood crisis in the region?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research holds significance on various fronts:

Environmental Sustainability: Understanding the fuelwood crisis is crucial for devising strategies that promote the sustainable use of forest resources and minimize environmental degradation.

Community Well-being: The study’s findings will inform interventions that aim to enhance the quality of life for residents by ensuring reliable and sustainable energy sources.

Policy Development: Policymakers and stakeholders can utilize the research outcomes to formulate informed policies that address the fuelwood crisis and contribute to sustainable development goals.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on Maiduguri Metropolitan as a case study to investigate the fuelwood crisis. The geographical scope includes urban and peri-urban areas affected by fuelwood scarcity. The research encompasses an examination of the causes, impacts, and potential solutions related to the fuelwood crisis within this specific context.

1.7 Structure of the Thesis

The thesis is structured to provide a comprehensive exploration of the fuelwood crisis in Maiduguri Metropolitan. Chapter Two will review existing literature on fuelwood crises globally and highlight specific factors influencing the crisis in the study area. Chapter Three will detail the research methodology employed, including data collection methods and analysis techniques. Subsequent chapters will present and analyze the research findings, discuss their implications, and propose sustainable strategies to mitigate the fuelwood crisis. The final chapter will offer conclusions and recommendations based on the study’s outcomes.

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