Charcoal Production and Producers’ Tree Species Preference in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of charcoal production in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, was carried out to determine the demographic characteristics of the producers, examine and explore charcoal production methods and processes, identify the tree species used in charcoal production and explore their desirable qualities, as well as examining the sustainable charcoal production in the study area. Purposive sampling technique was employed in the study. Four villages; Yangba, Gada-Oli, Tamanai and Tunga-Boka, where charcoal production is prevalent were selected. Fifty (50) copies of questionnaire were purposively administered to charcoal producers in the four villages, with thirty four (34) copies retrieved. Descriptive statistics tools were used to analyze the variables of interest. Variables which were analysed include sex, age, educational status, marital status, methods of charcoal production, e.t.c. The results of the study revealed that earth mound kiln (65%) and earth pit kiln (35%) are the two methods of charcoal production employed by the producers in the study area. Prosopis Africana (73%) is the most preferred tree species used by charcoal producers in the study area for charcoal production.The study has revealed that commercial charcoal production is gradually becoming one of the major sources of sustenance and currently plays a major role in promoting entrepreneurial development in Borgu L.G.A of Niger State with earth mound kiln method (65%) mostly employed. There should be increased supply of wood for charcoal production through plantations and woodlots; unchecked harvesting of trees without replacement should be addressed as well as development and implementation of short and long-term plans for massive tree planting.

Keywords: charcoal, tree, specie, borgu, preference