Charcoal Production in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria: Environmental and Socio-Economic Questions

Abstract

Just as it is difficult for most successive governments, at local or national level, to fight and conquer poverty, it is hard for most households of the poor communities in developing countries, particularly in South-western Nigeria, to live and work environmentally-sustainably, as most of their survival activities have negative implications for the environment. The poverty-induced type of energy use of most households in these communities calls for the concern of stakeholders in environmental sustainability issues. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the process of charcoal production (a major energy source of poor communities in South-western Nigeria) and its environmental and socio-economic correlates, using a case study of three rural communities, where the activity has assumed a ‘professional’ status. It is found that unless and until serious intervention measures aimed at addressing poverty and other socio-economic issues are put in place and effectively enforced, the problem of sustainable environmental development will be a mirage in the area and in areas with similar environmental and socio-economic problems. It therefore, recommends effective policy measures directed at poverty and related issues to take place before enforcement of necessary legislation, also recommended against indiscriminate felling and burning of trees.