From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
The continued usage of charcoal, firewood, and log production, which have become major sources of income among rural communities in Kanam and Wase local government areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, is the reason for the current environmental
The Spatial Analyst (Climatologist), Geography Department, Federal University of Bauchi, Abubakar Isa Gyambari, noted that these activities help many households and communities make a living, especially during the rainy and dry season when farming activities are critically low.
At the same time, charcoal and logs are still in high demand for cooking, building, and other uses in many parts of Nigeria. But as more people depend on forest resources, the pressure on the environment keeps growing through tree felling, deforestation, land degradation, loss of biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to him, two main things have pushed the growth of charcoal and log production in Kanam and Wase, namely: population growth and urbanisation.
”As the population keeps rising and towns keep expanding, the demand for cheap energy, building materials, and other wood products also skyrocketed. This creates a ready market for producers and encourages more people to join the business. Even though the trade brings in money for rural communities, but its long-term effects on the environment are hard to ignore,” he said.
He stressed that population growth is one of the major factors charcoal and log production has increased in Kanam and Wase.
”As more people are born and more families settle in the area, the demand for cooking fuel, housing, food, and other basic needs also rises. In many parts of Nigeria especially the rural and peri-urban areas, electricity is unreliable and cooking gas is too expensive for low-income households to coup. Because of this, many families rely solely on charcoal and firewood since it is cheaper, easy to carry, and easy to find,” he stated.
He noted that the rising demand for charcoal and firewood has pushed many people in Kanam and Wase to go into charcoal and firewood production as a way of earning a living.
”During the dry season, when farming activities are reduced, many young people and farmers cut down trees and turn them into charcoal and firewood for sale. Also, the demand for logs for construction and carpentry has increased the rate at which trees are cut from nearby forests and woodlands. Sadly, this over dependence on forest resources has sped up the loss of woodland vegetation across the two LGAs.
”Population growth also means more demand for farmland, housing, schools, roads, and other infrastructure. These developments often involve clearing the forested land, which reduces natural vegetation and makes the environment more exposed to erosion, desertification, and climate change.
”Urbanisation has also played a significant role in the rise of charcoal and log production. As cities continue to grow, more people need affordable cooking energy and construction materials. Urban centres like Jos, Bauchi, Lafia, Kano, Gombe, and Abuja are major markets for charcoal and logs produced in Kanam and Wase.
”Many urban households, restaurants, roadside food vendors, carpenters, and construction companies prefer charcoal and logs because they are cheaper and easier to get than electricity, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and processed timber products. This strong demand creates good business opportunities for producers and traders.
”Better road networks have also made the trade easier by allowing products to move from rural communities to urban markets without much stress. Everyday, trucks carrying bags of charcoal and bundles of logs leave Kanam and Wase for different cities across NorthCentral, Northwest and NorthEastern Nigeria. This growing market encourages more tree harvesting, often without proper replanting or environmental checks.
”Several reasons explain why Kanam and Wase have become a leading charcoal and log-producing areas in Plateau State. First, the two LGAs have large areas of woodland and Guinea savannah vegetation with hardwood species that are good for charcoal, firewood production and timber use. These trees produce quality charcoal, firewood and strong logs that attract buyers from different parts of Nigeria.
”Secondly, poverty and unemployment have pushed many rural households into charcoal and log production as a way to survive. With few job opportunities and seasonal farming, selling wood products has become an alternative source of income.
”Another important reason is the location of the two LGAs. Good road networks connect them to major urban markets, making transportation easier and more profitable. Weak enforcement of forestry laws and poor environmental monitoring have also helped the rapid growth of charcoal and log industries,” he added.