Quantification Of Charcoal Supply In Dodoma Urban: Implication For Plant Conservation In Semi Arid Region

ABSTRACT

This research was carried out to quantify supply of charcoal in Dodoma Urban. Specifically, the study intended to (1) quantify the amount of charcoal that pedestrians bring in Dodoma Urban daily, (2) identify species of plants mostly used to make charcoal, (3) determine the source areas where the charcoal production is carried out, (4) analyze the charcoal prices from the source area and at the market place. Point count technique was used to enumerate amount of charcoal brought to Dodoma urban from different sources. Four points were located based on the presurvey finding; these points include Dodoma-Dar es Salaam road, Bahi road, UDOM road and Msalato road. The enumeration of charcoal was done from 6:30am to 11:00am every day for one month. Also interviews and questionnaire technique was used to gather information about charcoal production and species of plants commonly used in charcoal production. In addition, the questionnaire technique was used to interview the charcoal sellers and final consumers. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Amount of charcoal counted in each of the four entry points did not differ significantly (Kruskal-Wallis ² = 3.511, df = 3, p = 0.319). The overall mean (Mean ± Standard Deviation) of charcoal entering Dodoma urban is 17.5 ± 14.9 bags per entry point where the mean total per day was 68.7 ± 60.2 bags. Results showed that 25 plants species were commonly used in charcoal making, among which, eight were most preferred. Fourteen villages were identified as the main source areas for charcoal production. The charcoal price at the source was a half of the market price (i.e. Tsh 9000 at the source vs. Tsh 18000 at the market in the town). Charcoal production might have negative impact on the conservation of shrubs and trees in Dodoma Region .