Abstract Fuelwood is the main energy source in developing countries, and hence its demand is increasing with an increasing population. This study investigated fuelwood utilization patterns, plant preferences, and selection criteria for fuelwood, and their profound implications on forest resources and greenhouse gas emissions in the Adola district, Guji zone of Ethiopia. Accordingly, 327 households were randomly selected for data collection. The findings revealed that the mean annual firewood and charcoal use was 346.10 and 264.37 tons, respectively. These figures were not merely numbers but translated into tangible ecological consequences, signifying 6.86 and 5.24 ha of forest loss and emissions of 41,763.42 tons/year of CO2 equivalent because of firewood and 31,010.60 tons/year for charcoal. Specific household activities, such as cooking ‘kocho' (619.16 tons/year), baking bread (581.93 tons/year), and cooking ‘woat'/sauce (395.08 tons/year), are key contributors to firewood consumption, whereas charcoal is crucial for heating houses. Vernonia amygdalina, Celtis africana, and Buddleja polystachya are the top three plants preferred for firewood, whereas Syzygium guineense, Celtis Africana, and Olea capensis are for charcoal. Household activity type, family size, ecological region, stove type, and proximity to forests and markets are factors influencing fuelwood consumption and contribute to socio-environmental impacts. In the study area, reliance on wood-based fuels has led to huge forest loss and emissions, requiring urgent responses from concerned bodies to minimize the impact.
Gebre et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: