Abstract

This paper assesses perception on the environmental implications of commercial woodfuel harvesting in Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria, with a view to providing information for sustainable management of natural resources. Data for this study was obtained using questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussion, in-depth interview and direct field observation. The result indicates that most of the respondents (52% and 43%) strongly disagreed and disagreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting does not increase tree species density and 63% and 37% strongly agreed and agreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting decreases tree species density. The result also showed that 42.9% and 41.9% strongly disagreed and disagreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting does not increase tree species diversity, while 71.2% and 20.7% strongly agreed and agreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting decreases tree species diversity. 52% and 43% strongly agreed and agreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting leads to the disappearance of tree species. A total of 66% and 34% strongly disagreed and disagreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting does not increase wildlife, while 46.1% and 45.8% strongly agreed and agreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting decreases wildlife population. 60% and 37.1 strongly agreed and agreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting leads to the disappearance of wildlife and 36.4% and 55.5% strongly agreed and agreed that commercial woodfuel harvesting leads to loss of wildlife habitat. It is recommended that stricter measures such as the constant supply of electricity and the provision of alternative sources of energy (LPG and kerosene) at affordable prices should be done by the government to prevent the clearing of vegetation for commercial woodfuel production.

Key Words: Commercial woodfuel, Harvesting, Wildlife, Tree Species Density, Diversity