This study set out to examine the sustainability of fuelwood exploitation and marketing in the rural-urban fringes of Makurdi town in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample of 230 fuelwood dealers was used to obtain data for the study. Findings from the study showed high informality which robbed the activity of definite and regular organisation of activities, and management of the supply base. It was also found that, fuelwood harvesting has led to the decline of species diversity in the area, involving especially Crossopteryx febrifuga and Sysygium guineense. Similarly, income realised from the fuelwood trade was not remunerative to encourage its sustainability. In addition, the study indicated that more villagers were entering fuelwood harvesting and trading activity; 66.0% of respondents joined it only between 2014 and 2016. The study noted that as more people join the trade, greater loss of species will be experienced to ruin the industry. The study recommends restoration of subsidy on kerosene and operation of woodlots by harvesters to sustain the activity.
Keywords: Fuelwood, Harvesting, Livelihood, Marketing, Sustainability
