TITLE:
Analysis of Forest Waste Management and Recycling Potential in Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Cynthia C. Ogbu, Yaw A. Twumasi, Zhu H. Ning, Gerald N. Attamah, Victor I. Ezeaku, Opeyemi I. Oladigbolu
KEYWORDS:
Forest Waste, Nigeria, Bio-Fuel, Waste Management, Wood, Biomass, Bio-Energy, Climate Change, Global Warming
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.13 No.10,
October
17,
2022
ABSTRACT: Forest wastes are renewable resources that can serve as sources of energy
for heat and electricity generation. How these materials are managed in order
to reduce their contribution to the release of greenhouse gases, reduce
subsequent climate change challenges and their potential use in bio-energy
production has remained a myth in Nigeria. In this paper, extensive review of
the literature was carried out to arrive at the findings. More than 93% of all
wood processing industries in Nigeria are sawmills. In addition to sawmills there are the plywood mills, furniture processing industries, and particleboard
mills. Sawdust is the major waste generated from wood processing in the various
processing units. Currently, the most popular waste management practice in
Nigeria is burning. Dumping in open spaces, riverbanks, and water bodies is
also obtainable. There is no record of wood waste recycling for bio-fuel
production at the moment. Wood wastes are reused for agricultural production
(mulching, manure) and as firewood. These actions contribute to the release of
greenhouse gases and subsequently contribute to global warming. There are
policies and agencies put in place to address this menace but implementation is
a problem. An increase in proper waste management education and awareness, and
aid from developed countries in terms of providing the technology needed for
recycling and incineration, will go a long way in ensuring the safety (from
climate change and consequences) of the local people, the environment, and the
world at large.