Wood Fuel Research Articles

CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS FOR THE GROWING AND USE OF ENERGY CROPS IN UKRAINE

The purpose of the work is to analyze state of the art of Ukraine’s energy crops sector, as well as to develop recommendations for creating favorable conditions for the implementation of respective projects in the country. Energy crops are plants that are grown to obtain biomass as a fuel or feedstock for the further production of energy, biomass fuels or biofuels. Their advantage is the possibility of cultivation on marginal or low-quality lands, that is those that are unsuitable for the cultivation of common agricultural crops. Wood and grass energy crops have good fuel characteristics, which are close to those of forest wood. As for chlorine content and ash melting point, these indicators are much better than those of straw. In Ukraine, as in the EU, the potential for growing energy crops is determined mainly by the available area of unused agricultural and low-productivity land on which respective plantations can be created. Experts of the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine estimate the current economic potential of energy crops for obtaining various types of biomass fuels in Ukraine as 5.44 Mtoe/yr (2021). By 2050, this potential may more than double, reaching 11.20 Mtoe/yr. In the current Ukraine’s biomass potential, the total share of energy crops is 21%, approximately equally divided between wood/grass crops (solid biomass biofuel) and corn silage (biogas). By 2050, this share may increase to 26%, the largest contribution being from wood/grass energy crops (16%) intended for solid biomass fuel production. Projects on the cultivation of energy crops are quite difficult for practical implementation as they are sensitive to many factors, which affects their economic performance. Usually, the payback period of such projects is 7...9 years, which is on the verge of profitability and economic feasibility. The Bioenergy Association of Ukraine has elaborated several tools to stimulate the development of this sector in the country. Implementation of the suggested support mechanisms will significantly increase the attractiveness of projects on energy crops cultivation for investment.

Evaluating the efficacy of coconut oil as thermal storage media for enhancing solar drying performance of wood fuels

The appropriate storage, transportation, and utilization of wood-based fuels, including woodchips, pellets, and sawdust, in the energy production process, depends on their efficient drying. Traditional drying methods include limitations such as high thermal losses, inefficient heat transfer, and sustainability issues. These barriers, coupled with the high costs and complexities of maintaining the desired moisture content, underscore the need for innovative solutions. This study introduces a novel approach to wood fuel drying through the integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) with hybrid solar drying systems, aimed at enhancing thermal efficiency and sustainability. Employing coconut oil as the PCM, experiments were performed under a consistent artificial radiation of 755 W m−2. The hybrid system demonstrated the capability to retain approximately 200 watts of useful heat for three hours post-radiation, marking a significant improvement in heat storage. Our findings reveal peak thermal and exergy efficiencies of 30–35% and 13–14%, respectively. An economic and environmental analysis predicts a system lifespan of five years, with the cost of generating one kilogram of hot air at 0.0058 EUR and an annual CO2 emission of 64.09 kg. This research offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for wood fuel drying, presenting a significant advancement for large-scale producers and setting a benchmark for further exploration of wood fuel drying technologies.

Statement on Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health; Africa Region

The impacts of air pollution on human health are enormous and in African region, morbidity and mortality from air pollution causes rose since 1990. The significant sources of air pollution have been observed from human activities such as Industrialization, agricultural burning, transport and traffic, combustion of wood, coal, paraffin and animal dung for household energy needs, dusty roads and burning of household solid waste in areas without regular residential waste collection services. Africa with a poor health system faces a severe lack of air pollution detection metrics, with only 7 out of 54 countries having air quality detection monitors. Long- and short-term exposure to air pollution is associated with increasing rate of morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The progression of asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases is linked to air pollution exposure. Measures to reduce and control air pollution in Africa Region have been suggested in this paper.

Effect of grain orientation on the energy absorption performance of Chinese fir wood under quasi-static compression

ABSTRACT The compressive response and energy absorption of Chinese fir wood with different grain orientations along the longitudinal (L) and radial (or tangential) directions were studied through uniaxial quasi-static compression tests. The results indicated that the wood compressive behavior changed from out-of-plane to in-plane, similar to honeycomb materials when the grain orientation was changed from longitudinal to transverse. The initial peak stress (σp ) and plateau stress (σpl ) decreased upon increasing the grain angle (θ), especially below 45°, and more slowly above 45°. The wood compressive failure modes and energy absorption ability were also strongly dependent on the grain orientation, and the energy absorption per unit volume and energy absorption efficiency decreased as θ increased. Energy absorption diagrams and mathematical models were established to evaluate the optimum energy absorption point to guide the selection of energy-absorbing wood.

Fuel Wood Pellets Produced from Sawdust of Scots Pine Mature and Juvenile Wood: Self-Heating and Off-Gassing Tests at Industrial Scale

This study investigated self-heating and off-gassing of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood pellets made from sawdust generated from separated mature and juvenile wood. The pellets were produced at an industrial scale and stored in large piles of about 7.2 tonnes. The production process involved drying the sawdust using three different methods and to varying moisture contents. The results indicated significant influences of both raw material type (F(6) = 61.97, p < 0.05) and drying method (F(2) = 65.38, p < 0.05) on the self-heating of the pellets. The results from the multiple regression analysis further showed that both the raw material type and pellet moisture content significantly influenced the temperature increase, with strong correlations observed for pellets produced using low-temperature drying (F(3, 14) = 83.52, multiple R2 = 0.95, p < 0.05), and medium temperature drying (F(3, 13) = 62.05, multiple R2 = 0.93, p < 0.05). The pellets produced from fresh mature wood sawdust were found to be more prone to self-heating and off-gassing while steam drying the sawdust at high temperature and pressure led to a significant reduction in heat and gas generation across all materials. The heightened self-heating and off-gassing in mature wood pellet can be attributed to a higher proportion of sapwood in the raw material. The probable explanations to the observed differences are in line with biological mechanisms for self-heating and off-gassing, as well as the chemical oxidation of fatty and resin acids.

Assessment of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) smoke-dried with selected wood energy sources

Assessment of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) smoke-dried with selected wood energy sources

Experimental evaluation of low-cost thermoelectric integrated rocket stove

Fuel wood is the most important source of cooking energy for households in developing countries such as Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas where alternative sources are either unavailable or simply unaffordable. Even if the country is using different electricity generation methods, it has not been enough to meet the surplus need of society. In this research, a thermoelectric generator integrated biomass rocket stove was designed and a prototype of the stove was manufactured. The performance evaluation was conducted using laboratory-based measurement ISO 19,867–1. The overall thermal efficiency of the stove was around 29 %. The TEG rocket stove was able to run a fan directly. To get a uniform output voltage a DC-DC boost converter was used. After being connected to the DC-DC converter it was able to generate an output voltage of 5 V and output power of 3.5W- 5 W depending on the current produced. At an average temperature difference of 90 °C, the stove was able to generate an output power of 5 W with a conversion efficiency of 4.3 %. The TEG rocket stove was able to light LED lamps that require a USB input of 2.5 W, charge mobile phones, tablets, and a Bluetooth radio that requires an input power of 5 W. The estimated cost of thermoelectric generating rocket stove is 92 USD with a lifetime of at least five years. The stove can further be designed for mass manufacturing so that it is disseminated to the rural community in developing worlds such as Ethiopia.

Gender Inclusive Policy approaches in Agroforestry Management: Some Insights

Agroforestry primarily provides several benefits by growing sustainability, by providing food, wood energy, shelter, fodder and fibre; generating economic gains to allow communities and societies to flourish; and promoting ecosystems. Various literature has shown that in the agroforestry system in connection to gender, policies have been ignored. Discrepancies are addressed in this particular section with few case studies, such as on the lack of clear statistics on the women and men participants engaged in different livelihoods in the agroforestry sector; gender-responsive project activities and policy action plan for sustainable development; commercial agenda of policy-making bodies in agroforestry system; gender blindness of policymakers about women and energy transformation, the right of women to access land; women in the value chain and extension service and concerning forestry associations and forest users' groups; etc. The invisibility of women in the workforce, more particularly in agroforestry scenario is undeniable. Unfortunately, the department of each concerning state have no detailed database on women in agroforestry to increase the job participation of women in the forestry sector and it is also true in the case of agriculture database of women. It is simply not possible to get a true picture for some academic purpose or because of curiosity if anyone checks data from women who work in the agroforestry sector. In the case of the agriculture scenario, documents of agricultural statistics and planning in the state also do not provide any information on the number of farmers or families engaged in the sector.

Optimizing the Benefits of Invasive Alien Plants Biomass in South Africa

The current political situation in South Africa is seeking opportunities to promote sustainable development and use of renewable resources for energy, poverty alleviation, economic development, and environmental protection (e.g., mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions). The present study is based on a critical literature review and synthesis of policy advice in South Africa. The study comprehensively examined the knowledge base and gathered relevant empirical findings and perspectives so as to identify the gaps, trends, and patterns in the optimal management and utilization of invasive alien plants (IAPs) biomass, thereby supporting evidence-based practice. Additionally, the literature review was supported by the first-hand experience of invasive alien plants management and its biomass utilization. This research proposes long-term options for optimizing the costs and benefits of invasive alien plants biomass and meeting rising energy demand. Biomass from the country’s approximately 300 “Working for Water (WfW) Projects” might be used for bioenergy, firewood, charcoal, and other value-added forest products, both for internal and international use. The extraction and use of biomass from invasive alien plants for green energy and other valuable products would aid in the elimination of hazardous invasive species and reduce the amount of fuel in the fields, as well as fire and flood threats. Biomass from invasive alien plants clearings can be distributed to rural regions and informal settlements as a supply of firewood with the aim of reducing reliance on nearby forests, conserving the environment and biodiversity, minimizing forest degradation, supporting climate change, and enhancing energy efficiency and wood waste management (e.g., recycling and prevention) for green economic development and industrial transformation. The findings of this study imply that for competitive biomass-to-energy conversion and bio-economic applications for the use of invasive alien plant biomass, cost management, particularly for transportation, and significant regulatory incentives are essential. In addition, effective policy instruments that aid in the promotion of innovative systems and knowledge generation are required so that biomass can be optimally used for bioenergy and other competitive bio-economic applications.

Comparison between Different Mechanization Systems: Economic Sustainability of Harvesting Poplar Plantations in Italy

After a period of significant development, poplar cultivation in Italy has been in rapid decline since the 1980s. Because of its marked ductility, poplar is valuable for both wood furniture and energy production. Production could be increased through mechanization, because innovative machinery and equipment can reduce the exposure of forest workers to common risk factors, ensure greater and better productivity, increase the efficiency of operations, and reduce costs. There are various systems for the mechanization of poplar production (from traditional to advanced and pushed mechanization). We describe the range of possibilities (in terms of both the techniques adopted and the machines used) for planting, harvesting, and chopping poplar. Based on our analysis of operating costs, we conclude that mechanized poplar production could reduce the average cost per ton of wood chips (EUR/t) by 23% and the average gross cost per hectare of wood chips produced (EUR/ha) by 37%.

Life Cycle Assessment of Using Firewood and Wood Pellets in Slovenia as Two Primary Wood-Based Heating Systems and Their Environmental Impact

Sustainable use of biomass energy sources can reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Wood biomass is the primary source for heating in Slovenia, with firewood and wood pellets having the highest share. Slovenia’s largest consumers of wood fuels are households primarily using wood from their forests or imported wood pellets. This research used a life cycle assessment to analyze and evaluate the environmental impacts of using firewood and wood pellets for household heating in Slovenia for the first time. The results showed that wood logs have a considerably greater effect on stratospheric ozone depletion, ozone formation, and fine particulate matter (PM) formation. The impact on global warming was lower due to short transportation distances and using log boilers with high combustion efficiency (0.016 and 0.041 kg CO2 eq for wood log and wood pellet combustion, respectively). An increase in transportation distance from 100 km to 1000 km resulted in an 84.9% increase in the values for the categories ozone formation and human health, a 120.4% increase for fossil resource scarcity, and a 102.4% increase in global warming, supporting the premise that short distribution routes are necessary for more sustainable use of the energy source.

Introducing Gliricidia sepium as a Fuel Wood in Rubber Smallholdings of Sri Lanka: A Case Study in Kalutara District

&#x0D; A pilot project has been initiated to introduce Gliricidia sepium with Hevea brasiliensis under three different spatial arrangements ((i.)8'×27', (ii.)8'×40, and (iii.)88'×60’) as a fuel wood to improve the income status of rubber smallholders in Kalutara District by Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka in 2018. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey and field observations. The financial analysis was done for one hectare of smallholding. Certain assumptions were made in the financial feasibility analysis as financial analysis was done for 30 years giving consideration to the 30 year life span of rubber. Costs and benefits were discounted at 10% discount rate as practiced by the Department of National Planning to obtain 2019 market prices. The farm gate prices of 1kg of rubber and Gliricidia were considered as LKR 280.00 and LKR 4.00. The cost for hired labour was considered LKR 1,500.00 per day. Period of intercropping of Gliricida under rubber in the 88'×40' and 88'×60' models was considered as 30 years and in the 88'×27' model, it was considered as eight years. Financial feasibility of models was tested using the indices of Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). A qualitative SWOT was conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relevant to introduction of Gliricidia as an intercrop in rubber plantations based on a thorough documentation review and on the opinions of Rubber Extension Officers. From the three models introduced, the highest fuel wood value can be obtained by intercropping Gliricidia with rubber under the spacing of 88'×60'. NPV for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be LKR 0.74 million, LKR 5.47 million and LKR 5.89 million respectively. The values obtain for BCR for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be 1.37, 2.26 and 2.27, respectively. All fuel wood growing models indicated positive NPV and BC Ratios were greater than one, suggesting that these introduced models are economically viable. Although there are no established market channels available for fuel wood especially in the smallholder rubber sector of Sri Lanka, there is a demand for Gliricidia which is fulfilled through adhoc markets. Also, development of sustainable supply chains through setting up of Pilot Biomass Energy Terminals with the objective of collection and distribution of fuel wood under the Project of Promoting Sustainable Biomass Energy Production and Modern Bio-Energy Technologies has widened the opportunity of using Gliricidia as a promising fuel wood species Gliricidia with rubber has the potential to improve income generation of rubber smallholders substantially especially during the immature stage of rubber and provide a solution to overcome uncertainty in rubber prices and low productivity of rubber lands.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Fuel wood growing models, Rubber farming

Net carbon sequestration implications of intensified timber harvest in Northeastern U.S. forests

AbstractU.S. forests, particularly in the eastern states, provide an important offset to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some have proposed that forest‐based natural climate solutions can be strengthened via a number of strategies, including increases in the production of forest biomass energy. We used output from a forest dynamics model (SORTIE‐ND) in combination with a GHG accounting tool (ForGATE) to estimate the carbon consequences of current and intensified timber harvest regimes in the Northeastern United States. We considered a range of carbon pools including forest ecosystem pools, forest product pools, and waste pools, along with different scenarios of feedstock production for biomass energy. The business‐as‐usual (BAU) scenario, which represents current harvest practices derived from the analysis of U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data, sequestered more net CO2 equivalents than any of the intensified harvest and feedstock utilization scenarios over the next decade, the most important time period for combatting climate change. Increasing the intensity of timber harvest increased total emissions and reduced landscape average forest carbon stocks, resulting in reduced net carbon sequestration relative to current harvest regimes. Net carbon sequestration “parity points,” where the regional cumulative net carbon sequestration from alternate intensified harvest scenarios converge with and then exceed the BAU baseline, ranged from 12 to 40 years. A “no harvest” scenario provides an estimate of an upper bound on forest carbon sequestration in the region given the expected successional dynamics of the region's forests but ignores leakage. Regional net carbon sequestration is primarily influenced by (1) the harvest regime and amount of forest biomass removal, (2) the degree to which bioenergy displaces fossil fuel use, and (3) the proportion of biomass diverted to energy feedstocks versus wood products.

Investigation on combustion characteristics and ash-related issues of Calliandra calothyrsus and Gliricidia sepium using thermogravimetric analysis and drop tube furnace

Calliandra calothyrsus and Gliricidia sepium are developed as wood energy forest plantations in degraded land. They have good survivability, are fast to be harvested, and have good calorific value to be utilized as biomass fuel. This study aims to investigate their combustion characteristics by thermogravimetric analysis and their ash-related issues by combustion experiments in drop tube furnace and ash observation. The results show that G. sepium has a better combustion performance with higher values of ignition index, comprehensive combustion index, and flammability index, while C. calothyrsus shows better ash-related issues with less risk in theoretical slagging prediction, clearer metal surface in the fouling area, and less ash deposit formation. The domination of K, Ca, and S elements in the ash deposits of both biomasses results in several sticky aggregate particles and low-melting minerals. This study provides an in-depth understanding of C. calothyrsus and G. sepium combustion for broader utilization.

Effect of Some Selected Fossil Fuels on the Nutrients Composition and Consumer Acceptability on Smoked-Dried Redbelly Tilapia (Coptodon zillii)

Fuel wood is among the most expensive items in fish processing, knowledge on smoking efficiency of various agricultural wastes particularly sugarcane bagasse could be substitute for wood for fish smoking thereby reducing the cost, the problem of deforestation and eventually control of environmental pollution. The study was aimed to assess the effects on nutritional composition and cost-benefit analysis of using ebony wood and sugarcane bagasse as fuel sources for smoke drying of fish. The result of this study showed that the highest (65.15±0.20) crude protein was recorded in Coptodon zillii smoked with ebony wood and the least (16.08±0.13) in fresh C. zillii. Similarly, for ash, crude fat and nitrogen free extracts were observed, and the better moisture reduction (4.28±0.03) was recorded in C. zillii smoked with bagasse and least (3.38±0.08) from C. zillii smoked with ebony wood. The differences in the proximate composition of the smoked C. zillii using ebony wood and sugarcane bagasse were significant (p&lt;0.05). The organoleptic assessment of the smoked C. zillii using ebony wood and sugarcane bagasse were significantly different (p&lt;0.05). The cost (₦150) for smoking with sugarcane was less with an equal quality with the cost (₦250) for smoking with ebony wood which is not environmental friendly.

ЛІСОВІ РЕСУРСИ ЯК ЧАСТИНА ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ КРАЇНИ

Forests are extremely important for the planet ecosystem and perform a number of ecological functions: they provide oxygen, regulate the climate, protect the soil from erosion, regulate water flows and contribute to the purification of the natural environment, and they are a habitat for numerous living creatures. But besides, forestry is characterized as a significant part of the country's economy. The purpose of the article is to study the role of forest resources in the economic potential of the national economy, to identify the current state and problems of forestry in Ukraine. In the work the attention is paid to the influence of forest resources on logging, hunting, various branches of the wood processing manufacturing, on food, pharmaceutical, energy, and tourism industries, as well as on science, education, and culture. Among other things, the infrastructural, export and international potential of forest ecosystems is highlighted. It is emphasized that irresponsible forest use can lead to catastrophic environmental consequences, including floods, landslides, destruction of buildings and disruption of the balance of ecosystems, etc. For this reason, it is justified that the forestry industry requires a rational and careful approach, as well as compliance with the principles of sustainable forestry. The article lists the pre-war problems of forestry: imperfect distribution of management functions, complications in property rights realization, high level of corruption and illegal activities in forests, shortage of relevant specialists in the field, deterioration of the sanitary condition of forests, lack of incentives for the introduction of nature-saving technologies, etc. A special place is given to the assessment of the impact of a full-scale war on forestry: the occupation of large forest areas, soil and water pollution, a significant increase in the number of fires, mining of territories, illegal felling of trees, stoppage of hunting activities, damage to forest infrastructure, inability to carry out normal forest protection activities, etc. It was concluded that all these problems have an extremely negative impact on the state of Ukraine's forest resources, but the final assessment of damage to forest ecosystems can be established after surveys, which will actually be conducted only after the end of the war. But despite the war, forestry is trying to continue fulfilling its obligations to the national economy and society. Therefore, state, public and international support, implementation of effective management of forest resources are an extremely important tasks in modern conditions.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Modelling of LowQuality Biomass Pellets Combustion

Abstract Diversification of energy resources is a current objective that several countries want to achieve, including in northern Europe. Demand for wood fuels is increasing in Latvia, which is reflected in consumer expenditure. Using low-quality biomass (LQB) to produce fuel pellets for market stabilisation and diversification is possible. LQB pellets can theoretically and practically be used in low-capacity solid fuel boilers to provide different types of individual heating systems with an alternative energy source. Before starting mass production of LQB fuel pellets, it is necessary to clarify the properties of the raw materials. Any fuel study shall be divided into two phases: determination of the parameters of the fuel or raw material (calorific values, moisture content, and ash content) and analysis of the combustion process. The combustion process can be studied in two ways: experimentally and by mathematical modelling. Knowing the parameters that would need to be clarified during the study of the LQB fuel pellets combustion process (thermodynamics, gaseous emissions, particulate matter emissions, bottom ash, and slag), the authors have set the goal of clarifying the software applied to mathematical modelling of these parameters. A bibliometric analysis method was chosen to identify the software. The bibliometric analysis was carried out in the Scopus database. As a result, two software were identified: ANSYS Fluent software is suitable for modelling thermodynamic processes and gaseous emission streams. At the same time, XDEM software is the most suitable for modelling particle streams and ash/slag generation. This software will be used in future studies.

The main forest species encountered in southern and central Benin, West Africa.

The south of Benin, a country in West Africa, is still home to remnants of dense forests that benefit from a particularly rainy sub-equatorial climate, with annual rainfall of up to 1,200 mm. These forest ecosystems are an integral part of the West African forest block, which stretches from Liberia to Togo. However, despite their richness and ecological importance, these forests are unfortunately subject to strong human pressures, particularly from slash-and-burn agriculture, intensive logging and the growing urbanisation of coastal areas. Preserving these forests is crucial, however, as they are home to remarkable plant and animal biodiversity, with many endemic species. What's more, these forests play an essential role in regulating the local climate, protecting soil and water resources, as well as providing local populations with a vital source of energy wood, non-timber forest products and support for their traditional agricultural practices. Faced with these conservation challenges, identifying and characterising the main tree species found in the forests of southern and central Benin, forest species and their ecology is an essential prerequisite for implementing sustainable management and restoration strategies for these threatened forest ecosystems in southern Benin. This work aims to identify and draw attention to the different forest species, specially tree forest species present in southern and central Benin. The dataset provides information on forest species found in southern and central Benin, West Africa. This dataset is extremely useful for forestry research, as it focuses mainly on the various forest species of major importance. It can be used as a basis for characterising individuals or populations of species, based on their abundance in relation to anthropogenic pressure and changes in environmental conditions.These species are characteristic of forests and, above all, are of particular interest both to populations and to managers of protected areas. Field collections were initiated in 2007 as part of natural forest inventory work. The data collected have been completed by various field works that followed this work on forest species in southern Benin. The latest version of the dataset is publicly and freely accessible on the GBIF website at the address https://www.gbif.org/dataset/aff3a10a-a86b-4eff-98e4-d63f92fd6f7e.It should be noted that the fact that the collection and monitoring were carried out in southern Benin, a region known for its great diversity of species, over a period of 10 years making these data particularly relevant information to study the effects of climate change and human pressure on ecosystems in this area.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Wood Energy Consumption in Urban Residences and Their Implication on Biodiversity Loss: Case of Cotonou, Benin

Analysis of Factors Affecting Wood Energy Consumption in Urban Residences and Their Implication on Biodiversity Loss: Case of Cotonou, Benin

Perception paysanne de la fourniture des services éco-systémiques des forêts communautaires de Nafourgo et Dassissé dans le Centre-Ouest du Burkina Faso

Forest ecosystems are of global importance and vital to local communities. These communities depend on forests for their livelihoods, even their survival. The aim of this study was to identify the categories of ecosystem services that benefit local people and to measure the level of consensus around these services. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, primarily focusing on the ecosystem services provided by the forests studied. Household surveys, interviews, and field observations were used to gather information on the ecosystem services provided by these forests to local people. The results revealed a rich assemblage of 34 species representing 32 gene-ra and 20 families. These forest species contribute to the provision of three provision-ing ecosystem services with an informant consensus factor ranging from 0.8 to 0.97. These services are food (68%), traditional medicine (28%), and wood energy (4%). These findings confirm that local populations how important forest resources are for their basic needs. To ensure the availability of these resources in the long term, it re-mains necessary to provide them sustainable management practices.