Timber and Fuel Wood Consumption and Replenishment in Ile-Ife: Implications for Conservation and Sustainability

Abstract

The present alarming rate at which natural resources are being exploited, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, calls for conservation efforts. We evaluated timber and fuelwood consumption and replenishment in Ile-Ife to estimate the amount of wood consumed and restored from January to December 2015 as part of a proactive conservation approach. Data were collected using 766 structured questionnaires from six categories of respondents (saw millers, tree fellers, food sellers, bread bakers, farmers, and fuelwood dealers) within the Ile-Ife metropolis. Some of the data gathered included the names of trees commonly felled or used, potential buyers, frequency of tree felling per week, quantity of trees removed from the forest, amount of wood consumed, and the respondents' perceptions of the effects of their occupations on climate change. The results indicated that the majority of respondents were male (67%), had no formal education, and had no knowledge of environmental laws. Twenty-nine tree species were the most commonly felled, with timber and fuelwood accounting for 18 and 8 species, respectively. A total of 858,728 metric tons of wood was removed from forests, primarily by farmers and tree fellers, while the estimated amounts of wood removed, consumed, and harvested were all significantly higher than the amount restored (p < 0.005). The findings revealed that there is no conservation strategy in the area. However, for the sustainable use of natural resources, the government should take the initiative to implement tree conservation measures to reduce the rate of deforestation from wood removal and consumption and to enhance or promote forest conservation.