Abstract

This assessment study examines individual perception on the environmental effects of using fuel wood in Dutsin-ma town, Dutsin-ma Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria. Data was collected through the use of structured questionnaire using random sampling method. The survey covered a sample population of 300 drawn from the five selected areas of: Uguwar Yandaka, Hayingada, Bakin and Tasha. The studied variables included the demographic characteristics of respondents including their ages, sex, educational attainment, family size and types of energy sources for homes. The result showed that of the respondents, 28% are secondary school students, 64% attained tertiary level of education, 84% households use fuel wood as source of energy, 54%  due to affordability, 24% due to their large family size, 14% due to unavailability of substitutes and 6% base on cultural  believes. 50%  get firewood from market, 30% from near-by bushes and 20% from the  forest, also 40 % attribute fuel wood health risk to burning sensations, 30% to eye irritation while 10% and 12% to asthma and other health issues. Also, 66% and 34% agree and disagree respectively with the notion of environmental consequences of fuelwood usage while 20% and 80% are concerned and unconcerned respectively. The research recommends the provision of cheap, clean and readily available energy substitutes while education and public enlightenment is stepped on the myriads of adverse associated with the use of fuel wood while working at achieving a banning its indiscriminate sale/use of fuel wood.

Key Word: Assessment, Individual, Awareness, Environmental, Consequence, Fuelwood