Contributions of Charcoal Production to Socio-Economic Activities of Rural Dwellers in the Rain Forest Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria

Agriculture plays a dominant role in the economic development of any country. It dominates major policies in many developing countries such as Nigeria. It is a major source of income for most households, organisations and industries. Despite the dominant and significant role of the petroleum sector in Nigeria, agriculture serves as the bedrock of the economy as it contributes the largest share of the Gross Domestic Product. Agriculture also serves as the largest employer of labour [1]. Though crops, animal products, medicinal herbs, pulp, timbers and firewood as agricultural products contribute immensely to the livelihood of inhabitants of the study area, the contributions of charcoal to their livelihood cannot be ignored.