Assessing the Ecological Impacts of Charcoal Production on Forest Structure in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Charcoal production is a significant driver of woody vegetation loss in the Sudan Savanna zone of North West Nigeria, where growing demand for domestic cooking fuel sustains large-scale wood harvesting. This study assessed the ecological impacts of charcoal production on forest stand structure and species composition in two local government areas of Kebbi State. Surveys were conducted in actively charcoal-producing areas, recently abandoned charcoal production sites, and undisturbed woodland patches serving as reference sites. All woody plants in twenty-five metre by twenty-five metre plots were identified and measured for stem diameter and height. Charcoal kiln locations were recorded and production intensity estimated through key informant interviews with charcoal producers. Results showed severely reduced basal area and stem density in active production areas, with species assemblages dominated by pioneer shrubs replacing the multi-storied woody communities characteristic of reference woodlands. Tree species preferred for charcoal, particularly Vitellaria paradoxa, Terminalia laxiflora, and Anogeissus leiocarpus, were disproportionately depleted. Abandoned sites showed early signs of recovery but at very slow rates. The study calls for community-based sustainable fuelwood management schemes, promotion of improved cookstove technology to reduce per-capita fuelwood consumption, and legally recognised community forest governance arrangements to regulate charcoal production in Kebbi State. Keywords: charcoal production, forest structure, woodland degradation, Kebbi State, Sudan Savanna.