ASSESSMENT OF TREE SPECIES UTILIZED AND ANNUAL OUTPUT OF CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Olabimisi, A.D.; Ajuwon, I.O.; Alabi, A.F. & Oladoyinbo, O.B.
Olabimisi, A.D.: Agricultural Technology Department, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, P.M.B. 10, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Ajuwon, I.O.: Agricultural Technology Department, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, P.M.B. 10, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Alabi, A.F.: Agricultural Technology Department, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, P.M.B. 10, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Oladoyinbo, O.B.: Agricultural Technology Department, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, P.M.B. 10, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the tree species utilized and the annual output of charcoal production in Southwestern Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic characteristics of charcoal producers, identified the tree species used and quantity of charcoal produced annually, investigated factors influencing charcoal production, and assessed constraints hindering hazard management practices. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 381 charcoal producers from three purposively selected states: Oyo, Osun, and Ogun. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, weighted mean scores, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the majority (64.57%) of producers were aged 36–45 years with a mean age of 42 years, while 80.83% were male and 67.19% were married. The mean household size was 9 members and the average annual income from charcoal production was ₦425,866.10. Commonly used hardwood species included Terminalia glaucancens, Dialium guineense, Butyrospermum paradoxum, and Tectona grandis, while softwood species such as Mangifera indica and Parkia biglobosa were used when hardwood was scarce. Annual charcoal output ranged from 66,940.54 kg to 167,115.73 kg. Major constraints to hazard management included inadequate healthcare facilities, unstable government policies, poor monitoring, and high cost of protective equipment. ANOVA results showed no significant difference in charcoal output across the states (F = 0.78; p > 0.05). The study recommends sustainable forest management and improved charcoal production technologies.
Keywords: Charcoal production, tree species utilization, biomass energy, forest resources, rural livelihoods, Southwestern Nigeria.