Socio-economic Impact of Traditional Technology of Charcoal Production in Kpaai District-Bong County Liberia

Abstract

Locally produced charcoal through traditional technology is a source of income to the inhabitants of Kpaai district, Bong-County, Liberia and this has invariably contributed significantly to the country Gross Domestic Product. Two sets of questionnaires were designed and administered randomly to eighty seven consumers and fifty five producers representing sample intensity of between 54-68% and 10-10.3% respectively in five communities among the clans of Waytuah and Wotola. Field observation and Interview data collected were descriptively analysed using SPSS 20. Three traditional earth kiln methods of charcoal production were identified among the producers that are mostly male (69.20-85.10%). Women representing 61.20-82.70% of the consumer in the age range of 21-30 years (36.4-71.40%) were spending between 13-25% of their income on charcoal. Producers have recorded various achievement from the income range of between LD5, 000-20,000 realized monthly. Dirty of their bodies and houses, sicknesses, generating smoke and ash dust were the forms of social economic impact being encountered. Research findings will assist Liberia Government in developing appropriate modern technology for efficient charcoal production and sustainable energy generation as part of REDD + implementation process.