Evaluating the Impact of Charcoal Production on Forest Resources in Kwara State

Charcoal production for urban household energy supply is a leading driver of deforestation and forest degradation in Nigeria's Guinea savanna zone, with Kwara State emerging as a significant charcoal supply corridor serving Ilorin and Abuja markets. This study evaluates the impact of charcoal production on forest resources in three Local Government Areas of Kwara State characterised by high production activity. Remote sensing analysis using Sentinel-2 imagery was employed to map forest cover change between 2016 and 2023, and field measurements at 40 sample plots assessed biomass stocks, species composition, and regeneration status. Structured interviews with 100 charcoal producers documented production volumes, species selection, and kiln technology employed. Energy efficiency of traditional earthen kilns was estimated using conversion factor analysis. Findings indicate a net reduction of 19.3 percent in woody biomass density within the study area over the seven-year period, with the most intensive forest loss concentrated within five kilometres of all-season roads providing charcoal haulage access. Favoured species for charcoal production include Vitellaria paradoxa, Daniellia oliveri, and Terminalia glaucescens, which are also ecologically important canopy species. Kiln conversion efficiency averages only 14 percent, indicating large scope for emissions reduction through technology improvement. The study recommends community forest management agreements with licensed production quotas, promotion of improved kiln designs, and development of alternative household fuel programmes targeting urban Kwara State consumers. Keywords: charcoal production, deforestation, forest degradation, Kwara State, biomass energy.