Baseline Assessment of Charcoal Production in Jama’a District, Toro Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing popularity of charcoal among urban households in Nigeria is due to rapid population growth and the lack of affordable alternative fuels. The erratic supply of modern fuels like kerosene and gas contributes to this trend. The widespread use of charcoal without considering its negative implications on the environment leads to adverse effects like increased flooding, soil erosion, and land degradation. This research aims to understand the situation better for informed decision-making and recommend appropriate control measures. This is done through a baseline assessment of charcoal production and the producers’ willingness to accept (WTA) alternative sources of income, as well as charcoal producers’ perspectives of charcoal production externalities, in the study area. The data for this study was collected using different set of questionnaires that were designed with respect to charcoal producers. The questionnaires cover socio-demographic information of the respondents, information on charcoal production and economic valuation. Descriptive statistics of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to estimate the quantity of charcoal produced and the number of people involved in charcoal production in the study area. Regression analysis was used to estimate producers’ WTA. The results of the study revealed that all producers (100%) were aware of the problems caused by charcoal usage, such as eye irritation and skin burns for consumers and environmental degradation for producers (desertification, flooding, loss of soil fertility). All producer respondents were willing to change jobs from charcoal production to sustainable alternatives to reduce environmental pressure. Charcoal producers were willing to accept alternative jobs for a pay ranging from ₦31,000 to over ₦200,000.