Firewood Scarcity Challenges Faced by Rural Women in Rwanda

ABSTRACT 

The pattern and profile of energy use prevailing today raises important questions about linkages between energy and the economy, social issues, security and above all, environmental protection. Rwanda has a number of potential energy resources from biomass, hydro, solar, petroleum, methane gas, wind and geothermal. However, the major issue in this regard is the technological exploitation and scientific data on this potential. The widespread and inefficient use of traditional biomass with low technologies and methods like the three stones stove for wood, coupled with inefficient kilns for charcoal, contributes to the overexploitation of forest stocks, environmental degradation, and health problems. The study was mainly a field survey carried out in Rukira sector of Ngoma District, Eastern Province in Rwanda. The objectives of the study were: to assess the challenges faced by Rwandan rural women in gathering fuel wood as a source of energy, to identify the different energy sources used for lighting and cooking, to establish the scientific firewood scarcity in the study area and to find out the environmental consequences of using firewood. A number of research instruments were used in the study: Questionnaires, interviews, observations and review of related literature. The sampling technique used was systematic purposive sampling to ensure that all the targeted population was fully and objectively involved in the study. The major findings of the study are that the sources of energy used for cooking and lighting in rural areas are dry wood, charcoal, crop residues, paraffin, candle and biogas. The causes of firewood decrease are population growth, insufficient forests, lack of land for tree plantation and poverty, among others. Time consuming, heavy workloads, lack of access to education or to income generating activities and exposure to indoor air pollution are among the challenges faced by rural women. The main environmental impacts associated with firewood use and collection are forest destruction, soil erosion and indoor air pollution. Finally, the study reveals that sustaining our environment is crucial for both present and future generations and thus all attempts aiming at solving energy problems in rural areas must involve women for their success.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

crn~~ Page

DECLARATION A

DECLARATION B ii

APPROVAL 5HE~J~

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the study 1

Statement of the problem 3

Purpose of the study 5

Research objectives

Research questions

Scope of the study 6

Justification of the study 6

CHAPTER TWO 8

LITERATURE REVIEW 8

Introduction 8

Challenges faced by women in gathering firewood 8

Current energy sources

Nonrenewable energy 9

Fossil fuels

Energy from waste 10

Renewable energy 11

Brief history of energy technology 12

Changing energy needs 12

Energy consumption per capita .13

Causes of firewood scarcity 14

Environmental consequences resulting from firewood use

Problems with fossil fuels and biomass 16

Socio-economic impacts of insufficient firewood in rural areas 16

Alternatives to the use of fossil fuels and firewood

Solar energy 17

Hydroelectric power 18

Wind energy 18

Geother~mal energy 19

Nuclear energy 19

CHAPTER THREE 21

MATERIALS AND METHODS 21

Description of the study area 21

Research design 23

Sampling procedure and sample size 23

Data collection methods 23

Interviewing 23

Direct observation 24

Photography 24

Questionnaires 24

Documentary sources 24

Data processing, analysis and presentation 25

Ethical considerations 25

CHAPTER FOUR 26

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 26

Sources of fuel for cooking and lighting 26

Sources of energy for lighting 28

The magnitude of firewood scarci~ 29

The chi- square (X2) test 31

Challenges faced by rural women in collecting firewood 33

The environmental impacts associated with firewood use 36

The alternatives to face the firewood scarcity 38

CHAPTER FIVE .40

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDA-flONS 40

Introduction 40

Conclusion 40

Recommendations

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Ngoma District map 47

Appendix 2: Cells of Rukira sector, their population and households 47

Appendix 3: Questionnaire 48

RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE 5].

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