Domestic Energy Needs and Natural Resources Conservation: The Case of Fuelwood Consumption in Nigeria

Abstract

Apart from air, water and food, energy is the most important item for human survival. It is essential for meeting various domestic, industrial and commercial obligations. Kerosene, electricity, gas and fuelwood are however, the major sources of domestic energy in Nigeria. The paper examines the role and challenges associated with the use of fuelwood in Nigeria. Desk research on energy utilisation, rate of deforestation and alternative sources of energy provided data for the paper. Content analysis of available data was used in the preparation of the paper. The paper revealed that domestic energy accounts for more than 50 per cent of the total energy consumed in Nigeria. The paper further shows that fuelwood provides energy for more than 60 per cent Nigerians and also responsible for meeting 80 per cent of domestic energy needs. Again, majority of Nigerians adopted fuelwood for meeting domestic energy needs due to the high level of poverty, inadequate infrastructure and lack of political-will to address the country’s energy challenges. The paper therefore recommends the use of gas, kerosene and electricity for domestic needs in order to conserve the nation’s forest resources, prevents loss of biodiversity and conserve the ground water. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n8p27