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Influence of Socio-economic Factors of Rural Households on Fuelwood Consumption in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

The study analysed the influence of socio-economic factors of rural household on fuelwood consumption in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the households; determined the quantity (kg) of fuel wood consumed by household per week; identified coping measure in fuelwood scarcity among household and determined the influence of socio-economic characteristics of households on the quantity (kg) of fuelwood consumed. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire from 60 rural households through multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools and multiple regression analysis. Greater proportions (68.33%) were females. Mean age was 43.00 years. Majority (73.33%) were married with an average household size of 6 persons. The major occupation was farming (51.67%). Average farm size and farming experience of the rural household were 1.30 ha and 19 years respectively. Majority (56.67%) had primary education. Average fuelwood consumed by households weekly was 30.20 kg. The main coping measures for increasing fuelwood scarcity in the area were extinguish firewood after cooking (96.67%) and shifting to saw dust (88.33%). Estimated multiple regression analysis revealed that there was significant relationship between household heads socio-economic characteristic and quantity of fuelwood consumed weekly. The major determinants of the fuelwood collection and consumption in the area were age, sex, farm size, marital status, main occupation and educational level of household heads. The F-ratio was 5.125, indicating the overall significant of the regression model at 1% level of probability.