Abstract
The use of fuelwood, as a primary source of energy for domestic use, is causing severe deforestation in North-East India. In the present study fuelwood consumption patterns were studied in four tribal communities: the Nishis, Karbis, Kacharis and Chackmas, under varying ecological, socio-economic and socio-cultural conditions. The total fuelwood consumption was highest by the Nishis (10·4 kg/capita/day) and lowest by the Kacharis (3·1 kg/capita/day). The labour energy expended in fuelwood collection wes maximum by the Kacharis (0·67 MJ/capita/day) and minimum by the Nishis (0·25 MJ/capita/day). The fuelwood were consumed for various activities such as for cooking, brewing and water heating, as well as crop and house protection from wild animals by these tribal communities. The preferred tree species used were Schima wallichi, Castanopsis, indica, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and Dillinia indica. The information on fuelwood consumption patterns by different tribal communities of North-East India could be used for developing appropriate technology for afforestation programmes in these regions in future. Some appropriate technologies have been recommended in this investigation.
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