Firewood consumption in a Nepali village

Journal Article · Tue May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Environ. Manage.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01866966· OSTI ID:6919065

Fox, J

People's dependence on firewood as a primary source of energy is causing serious deforestation problems in many developing countries. Reliable information on firewood consumption rates is needed to develop afforestation plans and to control deforestation. This study compares three methods used to determine firewood consumption in a Nepali village. Cultural and environmental factors that affect firewood consumption in the village are also examined. The weight survey proved to be the most accurate method used. The less precise daily recall and annual recall surveys overestimated actual firewood consumption by factors of 1.76 and 1.95, respectively. Overestimates are attributed to both physical and social factors. In view of the good agreement between daily and annual recall surveys, and the much greater ease of conducting the latter, annual recall surveys are recommended as the most practical method of monitoring firewood consumption rates. Validating the survey with occasional weighted measurements is suggested as a means of improving accuracy.

• Research Organization: Gadjah Mada Univ., Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• OSTI ID: 6919065
• Journal Information: Environ. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Manage.; (United States) Vol. 8:3; ISSN EMNGD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299003* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation-- Other-- (-1989)
ASIA
CONSUMPTION RATES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FUEL CONSUMPTION
FUELS
MONITORING
NEPAL
SURVEYS
TESTING
VALIDATION
WOOD FUELS