IMPACT OF FUELWOOD CONSUMPTION ON VEGETATION COVER IN ZARIA AND ITS ENVIRONS, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
IMPACT OF FUELWOOD CONSUMPTION ON VEGETATION COVER IN ZARIA AND ITS ENVIRONS, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2016-06
Authors
ABDUL-HADI, Aminu Dabo
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Abstract
Fuelwood is a renewable form of energy that has continued to be the only energy option (especially for cooking) for most people in the developing countries. The study aimed at examining the impact of fuelwood consumption on vegetation cover in Zaria and its environs, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study used questionnaire to collect data from 384 respondents in the study area. A time series analysis of Landsat satellite imageries of the study area from 1973-2014 using Remote Sensing (NDVI model) was used to identify hot spots of deforestation. The results indicate that the vegetation of the area has drastically reduced since 1970s. However, both the pattern and causes of the observed change were non-linear. Similarly, evidence from ground truthing investigation has shown that fuelwood collection is among the major factors of deforestation in the region with 39.9%, mainly due to lack of alternative energy sources in the region. The results further reveal that the source areas of fuelwood procurement are within the regions (Igabi, Soba and Giwa) among others but a times use to cross the local administrative boarder of the regions (Birnin-Gwari, Lere and Kauru) respectively. Cheaper, availability and affordability of fuelwood were found as factors responsible for fuelwood consumption. Results indicated a mean and standard deviation consumption rates for 13.44kg and 5.62kg per household per day in the study area respectively. The study also found irregular patterns of vegetation cover in 80% of the area under study with periods of remarkable vegetatal cover decreases between 1973 and 2014. The study found complex patterns of population distribution with a corresponding increase in demand for fuelwood. However, the direct effect of precipitation patterns across season was not found to be substantially affect the pattern of and rate of fuelwood consumption. The most prevailing factors were found to be limited alternative energy sources, poverty and space for agriculture activities. The study recommends that planting of more trees after cutting the existing ones is very important; Government should provide more job opportunities for people in the country; it should make alternative energy available; and Strong law enforcement that will discourage deforestation
Description
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA-NIGERIA
Keywords
IMPACT,, FUELWOOD CONSUMPTION,, VEGETATION COVER,, ZARIA,, ENVIRONS,, KADUNA STATE,, NIGERIA,