Effect of Fuelwood Exploitation on the Environment in Ganye Southern Adamawa State, Nigeria

The over-dependence on fuel-wood for energy is chiefly because of its relatively low prices and easy accessibility. The Assessment of Fuelwood exploitation and its effects on the Environment of Ganye area was investigated with the view to identify the causes of the fuelwood exploitation in the Area, identify the pattern of fuelwood exploitation and examine the effects of fuelwood on the environment. Data for the study were obtained from a total sample of 150 randomly selected respondents through interview and application of structured questionnaires in the months of May 2022. Data were analyzed using tables, frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that the fuelwood in Ganye Area is been used majorly for sales and household cooking. Some wood species were useful for fuelwood and are under threat of extinction. The massive exploitation of trees in the area results to soil erosion, flooding, occurrence of drought and increase in temperature rises at a threatening rate and there has been serious disappearance of many tree species within their surroundings. This work has recommended that supply of the conventional fuels and converting wood wastages (wood shavings and saw-dust) to briquettes and motivating the public to plant trees would improve energy supply and therefore reduce pressure on the natural forests. Policy-makers and other stakeholders should use the information to develop policies and strategies to preserve and sustain the forest.