International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Fuelwood remains the dominant source of household energy in most rural communities of Nigeria, exerting increasing pressure on forest resources and household wellbeing This study quantified per capita fuelwood consumption and examined its relationship with household size, sex, and educational attainment in Dorok District, Shendam LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 150 structured, closed-ended copies of questionnaires were administered using stratified random sampling, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation). Results showed that the average household size was 8 persons, with daily household fuelwood consumption averaging 14. 2 7 kg, equivalent to 1. 78 kg per person per day (?649. 7 kg/person/year). Spearman's rank correlation revealed a perfect positive relationship between household size and per capita fuelwood consumption (p=1.0, P < 0.05), indicating that larger households consistently consume more fuelwood. Female-headed households consumed slightly more fuelwood than male-headed households (x2=4.15, P < 0.05), while educational attainment had no significant effect. Fuelwood consumption in Dorok District is driven primarily by household size and gender dynamics, rather than educational attainment. The study provides location-specific empirical evidence identifying household size as the strongest determinant of per capita fuelwood demand in rural Plateau State. Gender-sensitive energy policies, affordable clean cooking technologies, and sustainable forest management strategies that account for household demographics should be prioritized to reduce fuelwood dependence in rural communities.