The challenges associated with firewood supply and analysis of fuel quality parameters of the tree species used as firewood in Rwanda

Abstract

Firewood serves as an essential cooking energy source for households in Rwanda. However, the supply of firewood is hindered by various challenges, such as escalating scarcity, long distances traveled to collect firewood, and reliance on low-quality biomass during shortages. This study aimed to assess the challenges associated with firewood supply and analyze the fuel quality of tree species used as firewood in Rwanda, using systematic sampling with 504 and 368 farmers, respectively, in Bugesera and Musanze Districts. The results indicated that women and children are predominantly involved in firewood collection, with households traveling over 9 km for firewood collection and spending 5–8 h per collection session. Additionally, 42 % and 43 % of households in Bugesera and Musanze Districts gather firewood twice weekly. The most preferred species for firewood were Eucalypts spp, Senna spectabilis, Grevillea robusta, and Alunus acuminata due to their rapid drying, low smoke production, and efficient fuel qualities. The fuel quality analysis indicated that Eucalyptus spp., Grevillea robusta, Croton megalocarpus, Alnus acuminata, and Senna spectabilis exhibit a substantial promising bioenergy characteristic that points to their potential for sustainable energy production. The study advocates for strategically incorporating high fuel qualities, rapid growth, and regeneration of tree species into trees-based systems in the agricultural landscape to ensure a sustainable firewood supply while mitigating forest degradation.