| Author(s) | Ahmed M. Al-Abdulkader*, Nasser S. Al-Khalifa*, Tageldin H. Nasroon,* Ahmed H. Al Farhan** and Tarik M. Al-Abbasi*** |
| Affiliation | *King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, **King Saud University ***National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development |
| Title | The Present Status of Samor Firewood Markets in Saudi Arabia and Its Effects on Vegetation Cover |
| Source | Journal of King Saud University. Agricultural Sciences. Volume 17, No 1. (2005/1425) |
| Abstract | Natural vegetation cover is one of the most valuable renewable resources in Saudi Arabia. The principal aim of this paper was to explore the present status of firewood markets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with regards to their locations, size, and marketing patterns with special reference to samor firewood (Acacia tortilis). This paper also aimed at studying the effect of illicit cutting of samor trees on the natural vegetation cover. Variations in prices and quantities of firewood in the different markets were also studied. Some indicators about the supply and demand situations for this important commodity were also obtained. The results revealed that the consumption (demand) of samor firewood was much higher than the capabilities of the vegetation cover to meet this escalating demand. It was also much higher than the permissible cut from these meager resources. In spite of all this, firewood choppers are destroying these resources to meet the high demand for firewood. This adversely affected the vegetation cover which was, in turn, reflected on environmental conditions, including the spread of drought and desertification. The paper concludes by recommending some steps for addressing this problem in the future. |
