Implications Of Fuelwood Demandon Sustainable Forest Conservation Of The Sub-Sahara Africa

Forests contribute immensely to economic and social development through formal trade in timber, environmental services, non- timber forest products, safety, net spiritual and aesthetic value. Wood is a key source of energy that has been used for millennia for cooking, boiling water, lighting and heating. Today, about 2.5billion people depend on biomass energy for cooking and heating with 87% of this energy being provided by wood. In sub-Saharan African, more than 90% of the population relies on wood fire, that is, firewood and charcoal as their primary source of domestic energy. Over 80% of urban householders and small industries use charcoal and firewood as their source of energy. Despite their numerous importance, Africa�s forest continue to decline rapidly due to increase in agricultural practices into forest lands, population growth and urbanization, increased poverty, high dependence on natural resources for subsistence and income through forest. The study centred on the implications of fuel wood demand on forest conservation in sub-Sahara Africa - a regional focus on Akure metropolitan area, Ondo State. The specific objectives of the paper were to identify firewood consumption pattern in Akure metropolitan area, and factors responsible for increased fuelwood demand in the study area. The paper adopted direct observation, oral interview and 0.05% of the study area as sample size for the study. The study observed lack of adequate alternative; poor implementation and enforcement of government regulation on forestry; poverty and poor awareness on the menace of forest depletion among others. The paper posited provision of alternative fuel with subsidy, regular awareness campaign, proper monitoring, implementation and enforcement of forest regulations with a view to achieving sustainable conservation.

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