Woody Biomass Energy Assessment in Taraba State Forests, North East Nigeria

Taraba State in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone is characterised by significant forest cover and woodland resources, which continue to serve as the primary energy source for the majority of rural households in the form of fuelwood and charcoal. This study assesses woody biomass energy resources in selected forest reserves and community woodlands in Taraba State, investigating standing stock, annual increment, sustainable harvest levels, and the energy equivalent of available biomass. Field inventories were conducted across five land-use types using stratified random sampling, with plots established to measure stem diameter, tree height, and species composition. Biomass conversion equations were applied to compute above-ground dry biomass per hectare, and energy content was derived using published calorific values for dominant species. The study evaluates current extraction rates against sustainable yield estimates to identify communities at risk of resource depletion. Results reveal that three of six surveyed communities are extracting woody biomass at rates exceeding sustainable thresholds by 40 to 65 percent, signalling emerging energy insecurity. The study proposes a community woodlot management programme supported by the Taraba State Forestry Commission and advocates for integration of improved cookstoves and liquefied petroleum gas as complementary interventions to reduce per capita fuelwood demand. Keywords: woody biomass, energy assessment, Taraba State, fuelwood, forest resources.