Environmental Hazard Awareness, Sustainability Practices, and Constraints of Charcoal Producers in Wamba Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the environmental hazard awareness, sustainability practices, and production constraints of charcoal producers in Wamba Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and identified the socioeconomic predictors of tree-planting behaviour. Primary data were collected from 100 charcoal producers selected through multistage sampling and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results showed that only 53% of producers were aware of environmental hazards, with air pollution (29.9%), biodiversity loss (27.1%), deforestation (24.3%), and soil erosion (18.7%) as the most recognised impacts. Despite this, only 43% engaged in tree planting, revealing a significant awareness–action gap. Chi-square analysis confirmed significant associations between educational level and both environmental awareness (χ² = 10.214; p = 0.015) and tree-planting engagement (χ² = 9.841; p = 0.020). Binary logistic regression (Nagelkerke R² = 0.421; correct classification = 74.0%) showed that environmental awareness, credit access, educational level, income, and cooperative membership were significant predictors of tree-planting behaviour. The dominant production constraints were environmental regulations (19.9%), government restrictions (19.4%), poor market access (18.8%), and lack of capital (15.1%). Comparative evidence from sub-Saharan Africa confirms that these constraints are not unique to Wamba LGA but reflect a regional pattern in charcoal-dependent communities where regulation without incentive generates compliance resistance. A circular economy framework, wherein charcoal licensing fees are reinvested into community-led nurseries and improved cookstove subsidies, is proposed as an actionable policy model. These findings offer evidence-based guidance for policymakers, extension agents, and development organisations working to balance rural livelihoods with environmental conservation in north-central Nigeria.