Woodfuel consumption and its potential effects on the environment in Misungwi district, Mwanza region

Abstract

This study was conducted in Misungwi Ward, Misungwi District to determine woodfuel consumption trends and its potential effects to the environment. Specifically, the study aimed at examining the current status of wood fuel consumption in the study area, identifying the effects on the environment as a result of wood fuel consumption and assessing the effectiveness of measures taken to enhance sustainability of forest resources in the study area. Data were collected using questionnaire survey, interview with key informants and documentary review. Descriptive statistics, regression model and content analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The findings of this study indicate that, woodfuel is the main source of energy whereas almost 97% of respondents use woodfuel for cooking. Annual woodfuel consumption in the selected villages was 18525 m3 and per capita consumption was 2.5 m3 m. Household size was noted to have influenced the woodfuel consumption at the household level. Results of this study also indicaie that the minimum time spent by the respondents was 0.5 hour and maximum time was 3 hours per one trip. In addition, 05 kilometer was a minimum distance and the maximum distance was 5 kilometers covered per trip. This implies that, 16% of the production time is spent on firewood collection or looking for charcoal and hence reduce the time for production and also affects the time of children going to school. Effects of woodfuel consumption were reported to have accelerated deforestation, land degradation and climate change. It is therefore recommended that concerted efforts should be put in place as among the many effective mechanisms for ensuring sustainable energy supply in the area. Among the initiatives to be carried out may include diversification of source of energy, intensifying agroforestry farming system and provision of environmental education