Assessment of Charcoal Value-Chain in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Charcoal production has been perceived to be harmful to the environment, however, the industry is important in meeting household energy needs, in employment creation and provision of household income. This study assessed the value-chain of charcoal industry with a view to providing relevant information for good policy direction in both energy and environmental sector. The research employed snowball sampling techniques to reach charcoal retailers, transporters, wholesalers and producers. Semi-structured and key informant Interviews were conducted with the charcoal retailers and transporters and forestry department respectively, while Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with the charcoal wholesalers and producers. Analysis was done based analysis, using constant comparison and micro interlocutor analysis. The result shows that, many people are employed in different phases of production and supply chain, and additional employment was created. The study also reveals that the majority of the charcoal used in Jos metropolis comes from Bauchi and Plateau states. The finding also shows that, stakeholders neglecting charcoal activities result to lack of programmes and strategies that regulate charcoal production. The level at which charcoal is produced and brought to Jos metropolis is of great concern, putting the present forest resources of the production areas at risk of extinction. In order to protect the forest resources from being depleted by charcoal producing communities, the study recommends, improving living standards of people, provision of sufficient forest management, forest investment, supervision and control practices by stakeholders to reduce the level of trees falling by charcoal activities in charcoal producing communities.