Abstract
This study identifies the determinants that influence the livelihood strategies of firewood and charcoal producers. The paper involves a survey questionnaire of 295 sample households based on snow ball sampling method in the dry lands of Oromia and Afar regions during 2019. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate probit (MVP) model. Results show that 39% of households derived their income from crop and 47% from wood fuel for those households whose livelihoods strategy in farming. Households in agro pastoral livelihood strategy about 58% and 21 % derived their income from wood fuel and crop, respectively. Households whose depend their livelihood strategies on pastoral, 51% generate their income from wood fuel and 29% from wage. The model reveal that sex, age, education, family size, livestock holding, farm size, distance, off-farm activity, relief aid, training, market information, and membership on institution were significantly affected the livelihood strategy of firewood and charcoal producers in the dry lands of Ethiopia. Therefore, firewood and charcoal producer livelihoods are diverse and policy makers need to reflect on the most suitable ways of supporting sustainable use of dry land forest management and socio-economic intervention options. Keywords : Charcoal, Dry land, Ethiopia, Firewood, Livelihood DOI: 10.7176/JETP/11-2-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2021
Highlights
Dry forests and woodlands are the dominant vegetation type in sub-Saharan Africa, covering over 17.3 million km2 in a total of 31 countries (Lawry et al, 2015; Chidumayo and Marunda, 2010)
Male headed households are engaged in more diverse livelihood activities than female householders. This may be due to male can control resources in rural areas, giving men greater access and opportunities to participate in income diversification (Owitti, 2015; Kassie et al, 2017)
It was assume that male are more engaged in charcoal production and fuel wood collection than female due to physical nature of the activity
Summary
Dry forests and woodlands are the dominant vegetation type in sub-Saharan Africa, covering over 17.3 million km in a total of 31 countries (Lawry et al, 2015; Chidumayo and Marunda, 2010). They are contributing to the livelihoods of millions of people globally. Charcoal and firewood are jointly referred to as wood fuel, and it is a major source of energy for most rural and urban households in developing countries including Ethiopia. They are the most globally used for energy supply. Literatures indicated involvement in charcoal and firewood trade can generate substantial incomes for participants (Minten et al, 2013; Schaafsma et al, 2012; Khundi et al, 2011)
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