Variation in woodfuel consumption patterns in response to forest availability in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

We report details of woodfuel consumption patterns in three different village groupings classified according to population distribution and forest availability. Interview survey data collected from 240 households in 40 villages revealed large differences in woodfuel consumption patterns among the three groups. Areas with lower forest availability were associated with lower per capita woodfuel consumption, proportionately higher consumption of firewood from non-forest sources, greater distances from the village to the woodfuel source, and more species and smaller trees being utilized for firewood. The maximum size of trees used for fuel was 30 cm in diameter, and about 30% of the total woodfuel used was sourced from dead wood. The survey also revealed that some species, such as Xylopia pierrei and Grewia paniculata, were favored for firewood. Respondentʹs answers revealed a woodfuel deficiency along the major road. While there does not appear to be any evidence that woodfuel consumption is causing deforestation, initiatives to reduce woodfuel consumption are still needed to alleviate these localized supply problems. Woodfuel consumption could be reduced by replacing the traditional “three stone fire” with more efficient types of cooking stove.