Forest Products, Livelihoods and Conservation

236 Fuelwood in the Maroua area of the Far North Province of Cameroon

However, as the marketing of fuelwood has become more intensive, some rich

businessmen (mostly truck owners) have become involved as wholesalers.

Others have bought trucks and hired drivers to work as wholesalers.

Photo 1. A pickup truck loaded with fuelwood plies the neighborhoods of

Maroua in 1998 (Photo by T.P. Ijang)

TRENDS AND ISSUES

Dynamic changes

The most noticeable change in the landscape within the study area was the

disappearance of the natural forest, and the disappearance of some indigenous

species was echoed in the arid landscape covered with tree stumps and sand.

Efforts to improve the environment had been made through the creation of

parks, forest reserves and protected areas and waters. Though initially most

of the environmental protection strategies were developed and executed by

the government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs),

increasingly villagers are being involved in the process (Republic of Cameroon

1994; Agroforestry Project 1995; Minister of Environment and Forestry 1998).

For example, NGOs and the government have helped to establish village-based

groups to aid in the planting of species of trees that have otherwise vanished

from the environment (DPGT 1996).

Trade in and demand for fuelwood is increasing in Cameroon, but the supply

to markets can be inconsistent, especially during the rainy season, when the

bad roads, the long distances, and the high cost and difficulty of vehicle hire

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