ASSESSING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING FIREWOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite growing global and national environmental concerns, firewood continues to serve as the dominant source of household energy for cooking and heating among rural households in many parts of northern Nigeria. This study explores the socio-economic factors that influence firewood consumption and assesses its environmental effects among rural farming households in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 150 farming households across selected rural communities. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires administered to household heads. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models to identify significant predictors of firewood consumption. The results revealed that socio-economic variables such as household size, income level, education, and farm size significantly influenced the level of firewood consumed by households. Larger households with low income and less formal education tended to consume more firewood. Additionally, access to forested land through larger farms increased reliance on biomass. The environmental implications of this high dependence included widespread deforestation, declining soil fertility, and loss of biodiversity—threats that compromise both environmental health and agricultural sustainability. The study emphasizes the urgent need for locally targeted interventions such as promoting affordable alternative energy sources, integrating environmental awareness into rural education programs, and supporting sustainable forest management practices. These measures are crucial for balancing rural energy demands with the preservation of natural resources. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, environmental managers, and rural development agencies working to advance energy security, ecological conservation, and rural welfare in northern Nigeria.