Unit area charges

The unit area charge is popular in the high forest states of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Ekiti and Delta states. Fixing tariff rates on the basis of area involves classifying forests into zones according to the richness of the area in terms of: species composition; stocking; proximity to markets or ports; and the nature of the terrain (Obaseki, 1970). A fixed rate is charged per hectare cut in each zone. These rates can be derived from the average out-turn volume per hectare over previous years (Mervart, 1972).

In Oyo State, forest reserves are classified into two zones. Zone 1, which includes Shasha, Ago-Owu and Ipetu-Ikeji forest reserves, is classified as rich forests and charges are N 600 per hectare, while the remaining forest reserves are classified as Zone 2. The forests is Zone 2 are poor and charges are much lower, at rates of N 250 to N 350 per hectare. In Ondo State, forest reserves are classified according to yield and the unit area charges vary between N 220 and N 420 per hectare. These rates are in addition to payments made to cover the cost of reforestation (the reforestation levy), which are fixed at N 30 per hectare.

Higher returns and reduced incidence of fraud can be obtained with this method of sale, but this requires the availability of reliable management information and an efficient work force.

There has been a steady increase in charges based on unit area (see Table 11). For example, in Ikere Forest Reserve in Ekiti State, the charge was increased from N 2,500 per hectare to N 3,500 per hectare in 1998 and, again, to N 3,700 per hectare year in 1999. In the same way, the unit area charge has increased from N 2,500 per hectare in 1996 to N 4,200 per hectare in 2000 in Ise Forest Reserve. As Table 11 shows, the unit area charge also varies from one forest reserve to another within the State.

Highly forested states, such as Cross River State in particular, do not operate this system but rely more on the OTV and stumpage system of revenue collection.

Ground rent

In Ekiti and Ondo states, ground rents are paid annually for forest reserve allocation. This is N 200 per hectare per year in Ekiti State and N 150 per hectare per year in Ondo State.

Fees for the collection of fuelwood

In most of the southern states in Nigeria, fuelwood from urban and fuelwood plantations are sold in cords of 1.3 m x 1.3 m x 2.6 m, at prices between N 40 and N 50 per cord. Forest plantation thinning are also sold in cords. However, where fuelwood collection is allowed in areas used for pole and timber production, the collector usually pays a time-based charge. For example, in Oyo State a fuelwood collector pays N 120 per month to collect fuelwood. This monthly payment is fixed arbitrarily and does not take into account the quantity or quality of wood removed or the market value of fuelwood.

In Benue, N 100 is charged per lorry load of firewood removed, while in Kwara, N 1,500, N 500 and N 100 are charged per lorry load, cord and headload of fuelwood respectively.

The collection of branches, twigs and rejected logs as fuelwood after forest harvesting helps to prevent fire outbreak, reduces fire intensity and the impact of outbreaks of fire. Thus, the removal of debris as fuelwood is a useful forest management strategy.