The influence of charcoal production on the Savannah Woodland diversity of Nyaravur Sub-County, Nebbi District, Uganda

Charcoal remains a major cooking fuel and livelihood resource in Uganda, yet commercial production can intensify harvesting of mature trees, reduce species diversity, alter woodland structure and weaken ecosystem regeneration where production is poorly regulated. The influence of charcoal production on savannah woodland diversity in Uganda remain unassessed.  The study adopted a descriptive and field-based ecological survey design supported by quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected from charcoal producers, local leaders and key informants using questionnaires, interviews and structured field observations. Findings showed a clear relationship between charcoal production and woodland degradation. High charcoal production plots recorded lower species diversity, fewer woody species, lower stem density and more tree stumps than low and medium production plots. The area extent of harvested sites ranged from 0.07 ha to 0.80 ha, with an average of 0.30 ha. Mbaro West and Angal Lower produced the highest annual number of bags, while Angal Upper recorded the highest estimated woodland depletion, at 94.96 ha per month, 1,139.54 ha per year and 20,511.72 ha over ten years. Overall, commercial charcoal production was estimated to deplete 1,607.16 ha of woodland annually and 28,928.88 ha over the last ten years across the three parishes. Thus, charcoal production has a significant negative influence on savannah woodland diversity through reduced tree density, selective loss of preferred species, increased stump occurrence and progressive woodland depletion. It recommends adoption of regulated harvesting, restoration of indigenous tree species, community-based woodland management and livelihood-sensitive clean energy transition measures.