Socio-Economic Importance of Fuelwood Production in Gambari Forest Reserve Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Fuelwood apart from meeting domestic energy need of the people around forest areas provide a means of livelihood as a source of income. The socio-economic analysis of fuelwood collectors in Oyo State, Nigeria, was investigated with a view to determine its potentials and impact on the income of the rural communities in Gambari forest reserve area. Data for the study were obtained from a total sample of 119 randomly selected respondents through interviews schedules, application of structured questionnaires and personal observations. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and tables were used to analyze variables of interest such as age, gender, family size, education, income and type of enterprise. Cash analyses were made to determine the profitability of the enterprise. Multiple regressions were also employed to find out the relationship between income generated from fuelwood and some selected socioeconomic factors (independent variables).Result showed that the industry is profitable with an average Gross margin of N82, 130.00 and Net return of N81, 055.00. There was a positive and strong relationship between income generated from fuelwood sales and the gender, family size, level of education and amount paid to labour; with coefficient of determination (R2=0.67556). A negative relationship was noted between income generated from fuelwood sales and amount paid to government. The study indicated that income generated from fuelwood sales within the period of study increased with increasing number of households, level of education and amount paid to labourers with little revenue generation into the State treasury. Uncontrolled collection of fuelwood leads to the destruction of forest resources. It therefore recommended that the state forestry department should educate the collectors on the importance of rational exploitation, tree planting, and the value of maintaining the existing trees on their farm plots. Fuelwood will continue to be indispensible for a variety of local industries and craft: restaurants, bakeries, curing tobacco, brick burning and barbecue, to name few.