Socioeconomic of Charcoal Producers among Farm Families in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Charcoal remains a vital domestic fuel and livelihood source in Oyo State, yet limited research examines its socio-economic benefits for farming households. This study therefore investigates charcoal production, distribution, and use among farm families in Oyo State, Nigeria, to reflect how these activities shape income, energy access, and sustainability. A descriptive survey design and a multi-stage sampling procedure were employed to select 300 respondents from 6,004 farm families. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p < .05. Most respondents were male (59.6%), married (59.7%), had formal education (41.3%), and belonged to cooperatives (93.5%). Mean age was 40 ± 10 years, household size 10 ± 4, farming experience 9 ± 3 years, charcoal output 29,930 ± 9,930 kg, and monthly income and expenditure were ₦395,000 ± 260,274 and ₦303,333 ± 175,499, respectively. Significant relationships existed between production (r = -0.305), distribution (r = 1.116), utilisation (r = 1.389), and socio-economic contribution. Multiple regression showed age (β = 2.500), education (β = 0.400), household size (β = 6.000), experience (β = 0.700), and income (β = 1.800) were significant at p < .01; gender (β = 3.200) and charcoal quantity (β = 1.100) were significant at p < .05 (R² = 0.6100; p < .05). Education, income, experience, and household size significantly shape farm families. Sustainable charcoal production therefore requires addressing these socio-economic factors.