Fuelwood Demand in the Tamale Metropolitan Area: an Assessment for Sustainable Development Implications

Abstract

This paper assessed fuelwood demand in the Tamale Metropolitan area and its implication for sustainable development. The general objective was to use the Travel Cost Method to assess fuelwood demand in the Tamale Metropolitan area. The methodology employed the simple random, stratified random sampling and proportions to determine the individual respondents. The study employed questionnaire to gather data and analyzed the responses using the Ordinary Least Squares method. The field data gathered was used to estimate the aggregate demand for fuelwood in the Tamale Metropolitan area using the travel cost method procedure. The results indicate that as travel cost increases, the number of visits by individual respondents to forested sites for fuelwood decreases. Also, as incomes rise, the number of visits to forested sites by individual respondents for fuelwood falls. It is recommended that, public education on the need to conserve and use natural resources wisely should be embarked upon. A demand management pattern should be adopted to check over exploitation of tree species. Promotion of a balanced use of fuelwood and other fuel alternatives should also be encouraged.

Keywords: fuelwood, sustainable development, travel cost method, Tamale Metropolitan Area