Empirical analysis of fuelwood consumptions and its environmental implications in rural sub-city, Southern Ethiopia

Consumption of fuelwood contributes to forest degradation and greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. The aim of the present study was to assess the household energy sources and their contribution to climate change. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select sample households. A total of 152 households with different wealth status were included in the present investigation. Firewood consumption and GHG emission at household level were estimated. Average annual firewood consumption per household was 2781.30 kg (2.78 t). The amount of firewood consumed per household could emit 337.62 kg CO(2)e/yr. Use of improved stove could help to save 1.05 t of firewood and protect 4 x 10(-3) ha of forest degradation per year per household. To reduce the use of biomass as household energy source and its environmental impacts, all stakeholders need to work on awareness creation and provision of alternative household energy sources and improved fuel-saving stoves.

Automated summary

This study examined the impact of household energy sources on climate change, revealing high levels of firewood consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The use of improved stoves can help save firewood and reduce forest degradation.