Vegetal Cover Change and Commercial Charcoal Production in the Southern Region of Niger State, Nigeria

Vegetal cover change is a threat globally, a phenomenon with less attention concerning charcoal production. This study investigates vegetal cover loss and commercial charcoal production by analyzing three major charcoal depots in Niger south, Nigeria: Tatabu, Badeggi, and Batati. Utilizing a quantitative approach, primary data were collected through 663 questionnaires and secondary data via Landsat satellite imagery of 2010, 2015, and 2020 within a five-kilometer radius of the depots. Relative importance index (RII) was used to analyse primary data, while satellite imageries were processed using ArcGIS 10.8 software. Findings indicate a decrease in vegetative cover in Badeggi from 472.65 ha in 2010 to 269.92 ha in 2020. Key drivers of vegetation loss include deforestation (0.763 RII), farming (0.700 RII), and construction (0.690 RII). The region produces an average of 132 bags of charcoal weekly and ten truckloads monthly. The study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable environmental management and alternative energy sources.