Wood scarcity remains the main challenge for many rural households who still rely on natural
resources for energy needs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fuel
use and quality and quantity of fuel in two rural villages (Ongulumbashe and Onaitembu) in
the Omusati Region of Namibia. It investigated the impact of fuel quality and quantity and
the corresponding sales of firewood on households’ energy consumption.
Data was collected between April and June 2012 from the two villages by means of
questionnaire surveys, biomass assessment and laboratory assessment. Interviews were
conducted with seventy-seven households, four firewood sellers, government officials, and
local leaders. The study quantified the amount of fuelwood consumed and collected per
household per week using user-recall and physical measurement, respectively. The most
preferred fuel species or fuel materials were identified and their physical properties, calorific
value, moisture content, ash content and density were measured under laboratory
conditions.
Differences between the two villages in terms of fuelwood collected and consumed were
found. Due to wood scarcity households from Onaitembu village used other alternatives
(buying fuelwood and cutting live firewood) rather than collecting dead firewood. The study
found a link between fuelwood use, quality and quantity, with households changing their
consumption and harvesting based on season, fuelwood demand and availability of
fuelwood. The average weekly fuelwood consumption per household ranged from 66 kg to
79 kg for a firewood abundant area and from 59 kg to 67 kg for an area with a shortage of
firewood.
Mopane was the most preferred species due to its ability to burn efficiently and its
abundance. Wood scarcity affected households economically, culturally and nutritionally.
The study found that households in degraded areas spend an average of N$ 50 per week on
fuelwood, and many households depended on government grants and small cash income
activities. The study found that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water
and Forestry, is trying to improve rural households’ energy use by constructing firewood
outlets.