Household usage of firewood, its challenges and effects on its users in the Kwabre East Municipal

Abstract

The usage of firewood, as fuel, to cook has been an important traditional method in the Kwabre East Municipality. Many people in households in the Kwabre East Municipal have been adversely affected as a result of constant exposure to the smoke from the firewood. The study sought to find out factors influencing the choice of firewood as fuel, its usage challenges and the adverse effects it has on its users in households in the Kwabre East Municipal of Ashanti Region. The study adopted quantitative and descriptive research design to draw conclusion between variables. Simple random technique was used to sample out 250 respondents for the study. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The study finds out that the population preferred firewood (as fuel for cooking) to other sources due to its affordability. Some challenges associated with the use of firewood were the smoke it comes along with, the excessive heat it habours, and its inability to get food cooked very fast. The study also finds out that the usage of firewood (as fuel for cooking), has adverse effects on its users. They were health complications, unpleasant body odour, and modifying in food taste and smell. Finally, the study recommends that strategies and interventions aimed at reducing its effects should be employed. Also, the government should subsidize cost of other clean fuels such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (GAS) to encourage to shift from the use of firewood for cooking.