Determination of Energy Properties of Fuelwood from Five Selected Tree Species in Tropical Highlands of Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the energy properties of fuelwood samples which are preferred and used by local communities. The study used both cross-sectional survey of households and field survey. Systematic household sampling was used for household and random sampling for tree species. The chosen sample sizes for households in the study were 134. The cross-sectional survey of the local community on orderly preference of fuelwood consumption listed Acacia nilotica, Acacia etbaica, Olea africana, Acacia seyal, and Acokanthera schimperi. However, for the laboratory result and detail principal component analysis (PCA) of tree species in their density and moisture, ash, volatile, and fixed carbon contents, Olea africana was strongly recommended for fuelwood preference followed by Acacia nilotica, Acacia etbaica, Acacia seyal, and Acokanthera schimperi. The identification of community preference and scientific assessment on fuelwood consumption on different tree species will enhance the expansion of their plantation program in the region.