Assessment of Propulsion System Efficiency in Traditional Wooden Vessels on Lake Chad, Borno State

Traditional wooden vessels constitute the dominant mode of water transport on Lake Chad in Borno State, serving fishing, pastoral, and trans-border trade functions in the North East geopolitical zone. This study assesses the propulsion systems used on these vessels, evaluating their mechanical efficiency, fuel consumption, and suitability for the lake's operating conditions. A descriptive survey design was employed, with field inspections conducted on forty traditional wooden motorised boats at fishing communities around Baga, Monguno, and Kukawa Local Government Areas. Data on engine types, propeller configurations, fuel consumption, and maintenance histories were collected through structured interviews with vessel owners and operators. Findings indicate that the majority of vessels are powered by second-hand outboard motors of between fifteen and forty horsepower, predominantly sourced from neighbouring Chad and Cameroon through informal trade channels. Engine age ranges from five to over twenty years, with a mean operational age of twelve years. Fuel consumption inefficiencies are attributed to incorrectly sized propellers, fouled fuel systems, and engines operating significantly below their rated power output. The lack of outboard motor repair facilities within the Lake Chad basin forces operators to undertake long journeys for basic servicing. Recommendations include establishment of an outboard motor service centre in the Baga fishing community, provision of subsidised spare parts through fisheries development programmes, and assessment of solar-electric propulsion for small fishing vessels on the lake. Keywords: wooden vessels, Lake Chad, propulsion efficiency, outboard motors, North East Nigeria