Charcoal Production in Maryland County, Liberia: Producers’ Tree Species Preference

An assessment of charcoal production in Maryland County, Liberia, was carried out to examine and explore charcoal production methods, determine the demographical characteristics of the producers, and processes, identify the tree species preference used in charcoal production and explore their desirable qualities, as well as determining the sustainable charcoal production in the study area. The technique used in the study was Purposive sampling technique. Four districts where charcoal production is prevalent were selected. A Hundred (100) copies of questionnaire were purposively administered to charcoal producers in the four counties, with eighty five (85) copies retrieved. The variable of interest was analysed using statistical tools. Variables which were analysed include sex, age, educational status, marital status, methods of charcoal production. The results of the study revealed that earth mound kiln (82%) and earth pit kiln (18%) are the two methods of charcoal production employed by the producers in the study area. Mitragyna ciliata tree species with 94% is the most preferred trees for charcoal production, followed by Piptadeniastrum africanum (93%). In promoting entrepreneurial development in Maryland County, Liberia the commercial charcoal production is becoming major pillar of sustenance with earth mound kiln method (82%) mostly used. Government should increase the supply of wood for charcoal production through plantations and woodlots; unchecked harvesting of trees without replanting should be addressed as well as development and implementation of short and long-term plans for massive tree planting.