The continuous dependence of Man on fuel and service wood results in serious
degradation of the fragile savanna ecosystem. A survey of fuel wood and service wood production and
consumption was carried out in Garoua, Cameroon, and its rural environs. Results show that all the
rural population is 100% dependent on wood energy while 59% of the urban population depend
entirely on fuel wood and another 28% of the urban households use wood in combination with
alternative heat energy sources. A kg of wood sells for 33 FCFA in Garoua compared to an average
price of 10 F/kg in the rural area. This price varies according to seasons ; wood being more expensive
in the rainy season. The average wood consumption in the rural area is 1.2 kg/person/day compared
to 0.80 kg/person/day in town. 23.9% of rural households use improved fireplaces. Their average
consumption of 1.05 kg/person/day saves 11.2% on wood consumption. 68.9 % of the rural
population harvests wood from the natural forest while only 3.6% gets its supply from tree plantations.
Harvesting in the natural forest is indiscriminate and results in severe environmental degradation.
Some recommendations for sustainable management and for reducing wood consumption are made.