Fuelwood Consumption: Its Effects on Carbon Sequestration in the Derived Savannah Region of Cross River North, Nigeria

Abstract

Fuelwood harvesting accounts for about 40 percent of global removal of wood from forests and half of the World's population depend on it as their main source of energy. This study investigates the fuelwood consumption: Its effects on Carb on sequestration in the derived Savannah region of Cross River North, Nigeria. The study seeks to determine the type of fuelwood consumed and estimate carbon sequester. In order to achieve these objectives, primary data consisted of questionnaire, interviews, and field study while secondary data were obtained from Landsat, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Ogoja and the internet. Three hundred and ninety-one copies of questionnaires were returned out of three hundred and ninety-nine questionnaires administered. Regression, paired sample t test, percentages were used for analysis. Gmelina is the fuelwood tree used in the area with 54.7 percent due to its availability and accessibility. Fuelwood is an energy; income source; and it is affordable. Obanliku Local Government Area has the highest mean fuelwood consumption with 0.621795m3 and the least is 0.476925m3 in Yala Local Government Area. Carbon sequester in the study area is 20,394,418,025 tonnes. The regression model for the relationship between fuelwood consumption and carbon sequestration is expressed as: Fuelwood consumption = - 4855725.118 + 17270584.078carbon sequester. As fuelwood consumption decreases, carbon sequestration increases. Fuelwood consumption needs to be reduced to increase carbon sequestration and alternative energy sources should be made affordable, available and at little or no price by the recommendations.