FIREWOOD, FOOD VENDING AND THE FATE OF FORESTS IN IBADAN

Abstract

Firewood, an ancient energy source has persisted in use in contemporary times for cooking in developing countries, despite associated negative health and environmental impacts. Literature posits that as cities evolve, urban livelihoods such as food vending will transit from firewood to more use of modern fuels. In Nigeria, commercial food vendors have maintained strong associations with firewood energy, however studies on their fuel use pattern and preference for firewood is limited. Empirical links between firewood use and food vending are required in order to understand better the present role of firewood in shaping local energy use patterns. A sample survey of 200 food vendors in five local governments in Ibadan city using questionnaires and interviews was done. A quantitative weighing procedure of firewood consumed was also adopted. Results indicate the mean age of respondents was 45.0, 99% were female and more than 60% had below primary education. Main preferred energy type is Liquefied natural gas while kerosene was least preferred. Preference for firewood is induced by cultural factors. Over 56.5% of the respondents use firewood alone as main order fuel, charcoal 34%, gas 7% and kerosene 2.5%. Mean weekly volume of firewood use was 84.1kg. Key factors inducing use are speed and affordability. Food vendors' energy use pattern supports the energy ladder hypothesis. The paper recommends modern fuel subsidies along with intensification of advocacy on modern fuel adoption to reduce firewood demand.