Wood Energy as a Primary Livelihood Source and Its Impact on Forest Cover Management in the Hinterlands of Kindu and Kailo Territory, Maniema Province, DR Congo

Augustin Yakayengo Toko; Jean Pierre Ngongo Lushima; Sylvain Solia Edondoto; Faustin Mbayu Mpanya; Hippolyte Nshimba Seya wa Malale

Augustin Yakayengo Toko University of Kindu, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, BP 122, Kindu, DR Congo
Jean Pierre Ngongo Lushima University of Kindu, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, BP 122, Kindu, DR Congo
Sylvain Solia Edondoto Faculty Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Yangambi IFA /Ybi, BP 1232 Kisangani, DR Congo
Faustin Mbayu Mpanya University of Kisangani, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources Management, Department of Agricultural Sciences. BP 2012, Kisangani, DR Congo
Hippolyte Nshimba Seya wa Malale University of Kisangani, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Ecology and Plant Resources Management, BP 2012, Kisangani, DR Congo

Keywords: wood energy, income, city of Kindu, Kailo territory, forest cover

Abstract

The present study assesses the production of wood energy as well as its socioeconomic and environmental impact in the hinterlands of the city of Kindu and the territory of Kailo, Maniema Province, DR Congo. The research employed a survey-based methodology, using Kobocollect to conduct a census of the study population. The findings identified 11 tree species exploited for wood energy, with five species—Cynometra alexandri, Gilbertiodendron dewevrei, Xylopia aethiopica, Uapaca sp. and Acacia sp.—being the most preferred by charcoal producers and firewood harvesters.

A total of 33920 trees are felled monthly across the two wood energy exploitation sites, averaging 18.8 stems per operator. The monthly quantities of charcoal (embers) and firewood are 2323,3 tonnes and 3369 m³ respectively, with an average of 2.1 tonnes and 4.8 m³.

Profit margins are proportional to the volume of production. For charcoal, profits range from 95000 FC to 1 064982,00 FC, with an average of 473915,17 FC. For firewood, profits range from 24900 FC to 99270 FC, with an average of 64476,25 FC. Financial profitability is positive for all charcoal operators and even exceeds 100% for firewood operators (700). These results indicate that wood energy production is economically viable and presents a profitable livelihood activity in the study area.

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