International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue XI, November 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Effects of Charcoal Production on Biophysical Environment

 Ekpo, C. G.
Department of Science and Environmental Education,
Faculty of Education, University of Abuja, Abuja-Nigeria

Abstract
This study assessed the effect of charcoal production on the biophysical of environment of Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Two hundred respondents were selected by the use of the simple random sampling technique. Data of the study were collected through Environmental Impact of Charcoal Production Assessment Scale. Data of the study were analyzed using the descriptive statistics of frequency count, mean (x) and simple percentage. Findings of the study revealed the effect of charcoal production on biodiversity resources, physical environment, and the health of residents of Abaji Area Council. It was recommended that jobs should be created by the Area Council Authorities to residents to combat the menace of poverty which is one of the major factors encouraging charcoal production as means of livelihood.
Key words: Biophysical, Charcoal, Environment
Introduction
Right from time immemorial, domestic energy has been used for human survival. Among the primitive sources of domestic energy is charcoal. Up till date, the use of charcoal for domestic energy is still practiced as approximately 14% of the world’s domestic energy is associated with charcoal (Chidumayo & Gumbo, 2012). Likewise, its production aids rural incomes, tax revenue and employment (Onekon & Kipchirchir, 2012). The use of charcoal is mostly practised in developing countries most of which are concentrated in the African continent. This makes the production of charcoal a lucrative business. Approximately 63% of the world’s production of charcoal are accredited to African countries due to it utilization in both rural and urban settlements (Gazull & Gautier, 2015).
In Nigeria, charcoal is popularly used in both rural and urban settlements due to the fact that it is less bulky, easier to transport, accessible, and burns more cleanly (smokeless).