Authors : Maiguru., A.A; Zaku S.S; Faisal Ibrahim

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8126193

Abstract : Several socio-economic factors may be responsible for the preference of fuel-wood to other sources of energy by the inhabitants of Northern Taraba. These factors may therefore be considered as the determinants for the preference of fuel-wood by the inhabitants of Northern Taraba. However, these factors are not studied or documented in the study area and hence the need for this study.Two hundred and seventy semi-structured questionnaires were developed, validated and administered to the respondents using the method of Adesoye, (2004) to generate data for this study with only 265 retrieved. Data generated was analysed using simple percentages and Logistic regression analysis at α0.05.The result on compendium indicated that, 22 trees belonging to 15 families were found to be used as fuel-wood by the inhabitants of Northern Taraba. They families include: Eurphorbiaceae (1); Bombacaceae (1); Leguminosae (8); Sapotaceae (1); Mimosacea (1); Verbenaceae (1); Olacacease (1); Bignoniaceae (1); Caesalpinaceae (1); Lauraceae (1); Meliaceae (1);Anonaceae (1); combretaceae (1); Ulmaceae (1) and Rubiaceae (1) respectively (Table 2). Similarly,the result of logistic regression analysis on the determinants for the preference of fuel-wood to other sources of energy showed; affordability, availability, reliability, Household size and Educational status having the highest odds – ratios of 2955.74; 60.08; 7.21; 6.84 and 3.71 respectively (Table 2). Similarly, variables such as efficiency had odds – ratio 0.02; safety, (0.00); marital status, (0.01); sex, (0.00) and age (0.00) respectively (Table3).The findings from this study indicated that, fuel-wood, kerosene, gas and electricity are the various sources of energy used by the inhabitants of Northern Taraba. Similarly, affordability, availability, reliability, household size and educational status were found to be the determinants for the preference of fuel-wood energy to other sources of energy used by the inhabitants of Northern Taraba. Based on the major findings above, the following are recommended; Avoid felling and digging /uprooting as they are capable of killing the entire plant or tree. The use of power chain saws to cut or fell tree should also be regulated. Seedlings of trees used as fuel-wood should be raised by government and non-governmental organisations for onward delivery to farmers for planting on the farms. When farmers plant trees used as fuel-wood in their farms and around their houses, the pressure on wild trees will be reduced. Government should reduce and control the cost of alternative sources of energy like gas, kerosene and electricity .Government should introduce, improve and affordable stores. Government should introduce tree planting as a policy. Government should create alternative sources of income by training respondents on various skills acquisitions. Government should identify and monitor charcoal producers. Government should issue license to fuel-wood harvesters and processor to check their excesses. Government should enhance the implementation of forest laws and policies.

Keywords : Determinants, Energy, Fuel-wood, Inhabitants and Preference.