Socio-economic and environmental influences of firewood exploitation in Bongor and its surroundings (Chad)

Abstract

A study on the socio-economic and environmental influence of firewood exploitation was conducted in Bongor and three surrounding villages (Guizédé, Moudassi Foulbé and Tchikali II). Objectives were to identify and quantify the main exploited plants species for firewood, to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental effects of this exploitation, and to propose participative methods of sustainable management. Ten logging concessions were selected for socio-economic and environmental surveys. Vegetation surveys were carried out in three sites (light, medium and heavy firewood) in three villages (Guizédé, Tchikali II and Moudassi Foulbé) on the dendrometric parameters of the 50 m x 50 m surfaces arranged in different ways. Static analysis of the data showed that Piliostigma thonningii (55.26%), Anogeissus leiocarpus (37.94%), Combretum sp. (33.21%) and Guiera senegalensis (22.58%) are the most exploited species for fire wood. Bongor is the distribution and sales center for wood (166.52 t / year). This sale is worth 26485732 (FCFA) per year for the city of Bongor. The exploitation of firewood had harmful consequences on the environment and biodiversity especially climate change (30%), reduction of soil fertility (28%), disappearance of fauna and flora (29%), soil degradation and desertification (27.5%). The vegetal species like Hyphaene thebaica, Celtis integrifolia, Acacia albida, Acacia seyal and animals like horse antelope, elephant and buffalo are about to disappear. Forest management in the city of Bongor and surrounding areas involves local people, and traditional and administrative authorities.