Even with the ban on tree felling by the Borno state government, the practice is on the increase, as a lot of people are engaged in the lucrative business of cutting and burning trees for production of charcoal in the state, which is becoming a threat to the environment.
The rise in the cost of kerosene, cooking gas and present economic hardship have forced many people to depend on the charcoal as main source cooking fuel.
Many of those involved in tree felling seem to be ignorant of its negative implications to the environment and climate change.
The activities of deforestation for production of charcoal can increase the risk of climate change, desertification, draught, flood, pollution, among other negative impacts on the environment as Borno state is battling these challenges over the years.
Recently, the Borno state government began planting 1.2 million tree seedlings in its 27 local government areas to tackle climate change, desertification and environmental degradation in the state. But this effort of the government will be in vain, if tree felling for charcoal business continuous.
This year, Borno state experienced a lot of draught, which affected farming activities in the state with probable famine. As deforestation, desertification, drought are becoming a threat to the environment, as a result of charcoal business, there is the need for Borno state government under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to find sustainable solution to the menace. Enlightenment of the citizens on the effect of tree felling to the environment is essential.
Meanwhile, as charcoal business is becoming a big deal among the citizens, there is need for the Borno state government to provide possible alternatives for those engaged in the business and the lower class families from relying on charcoal for their daily cooking activities.
There is also the need for the Borno state government to collaborate with civil society organisations, non governmental organisations, community leaders, security agencies, the media, among others, educate and enlighten citizens more especially those living in rural communities on the effects of deforestation to their lives and environment and also encourage them to engage in afforestation.
Addressing this issue will save the environment from risks of climate change and preserve the ecosystem, where everyone will live in harmony with nature.
Musa Yusuf,
Department of Mass Communications,
University of Maiduguri,
Borno state
