ABTRACTS
The aim of the study is to examine environmental and socio-economic effects of fuel wood usage in Oshilimi North Local Government Area of Delta State. This study has the following objectives, to; examine the percentage of household using fuel wood as a source of energy for domestic uses in the study area, examine the availability of other alternative sources of energy in Oshimili North Local Government Area, examine the implications (negative) of the usage of fuel wood as a source of energy on the environment of the study area and proffer suitable and appropriate suggestions and recommendations for the effective consumption and utilization of fuel wood energy.
Fuel wood is a traditional source of energy and its utilization is still high in developing countries. However , recent studies by environmentalist disclosed that prominent usage of fuel wood in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State is a deplorable manifestation of poverty, hikes in prices of alternative sources of energy, population growth. It is also disclosed that people consume forest resources unsustainably which facilitates deforestation, desertification, biodiversity loss, exposes soil to erosion , releases stored carbon into the atmosphere which has wider implications to global climate system. Research data was gathered through primary and secondary sources. A total of four hundred and fifty (450) questionnaires were used to gather information from respondents who happened to be household inhabitants. The study area was stratified into nine (9) zones and fifty (50) questionnaires were distributed in each zone. Chi-square statistical technique was used to analyse data collected in the field. It was discovered that the majority (74.7%) of the residents in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State depend on fuel wood as their source of household energy. It was also discovered that in terms of the availability of other sources of household energy, alternative energy sources such as electricity, kerosene and cooking gas are not readily available in the study area. Furthermore, it was discovered that there is an increasing demand for fuel wood as a source of household energy. From the statistical analysis, it was discovered that income is a major factor in the usage of fuel wood in the study area. From the analysis, it was found out that as income increases, the number of fuel wood users for household energy decreases. It becomes expedient therefore that the government of the area should look into providing employment opportunities for the residents of Oshimili North Local Government Area whilst also encouraging the suppliers of alternative household energies to cover a wider range in terms of the delivery of their products to consumers. Also, strict deforestation and afforestation laws should be enacted in order to protect the forests in the region while the use of alternative sources of household energy should also be encouraged so as to prevent biodiversity loss.
