Environmental and Health Impact of Charcoal Production in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the environmental and health impact of charcoal production in apa local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Questionnaire and Semi-Structured interview were used for data collection. The impact of charcoal production includes deforestation, air pollution, soil degradation, health challenges and loss of biodiversity. The mean responses of respondents on the awareness and perception of inhabitants on the impact of charcoal production indicates low awareness level from the respondents on the impact of charcoal production in the study area. adaptation strategies to charcoal production in the study area includes involving community members in the planning and implementation, awareness program and introduction of laws to manage the effect of charcoal production. The study recommends sustainable alternative source of energy that is readily available should be developed for the use of rural dwellers, develop and enforce policies regulating charcoal production, ensuring sustainability and environmental protection and environmental awareness and education should be embarked upon in the rural areas to sensitize the residents to the health problems associated with exposure to high level air pollutants.