Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Research Proposal
Presented to
Marawi City
In Partial Fulfilment
ESMAIL D. ASHARY
November 2023
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
and providing various ecosystem services (Aerts and Honnay, 2011; Trogisch, et al., 2021).
However, in many communities, the pressure on forest resources, particularly for fuelwood,
remains a significant challenge (Felix & Gheewala, 2011; Lusambo, 2016). Barangay
Dibarosan, situated in the heart of Madalum, Lanao del Sur, is no exception to this
phenomenon. This study delves into the intricate relationship between firewood utilization
practices within the community and their repercussions on the local forest ecosystem.
indispensable commodity in many rural areas, including Barangay Dibarosan. The reliance on
this traditional energy source, while meeting immediate household needs, raises concerns
about its sustainability and the potential consequences for the surrounding environment
(Lusambo, 2016). Recognizing the delicate balance between human needs and environmental
Dibarosan, examining the factors influencing its demand, the methods employed in its
extraction, and the impact of these practices on the local forest ecosystem. By shedding light
on these dynamics, the study aims to contribute valuable insights for the development of
The importance of this investigation lies not only in understanding the present
challenges but also in formulating solutions that strike a balance between meeting the energy
requirements of the community and preserving the natural resources essential for ecological
stability. Through a comprehensive examination of firewood utilization and its implications,
This study aims to uncover the relationship between firewood use and forest
conservation in Barangay Dibarosan, Lanao Del Sur. Specifically, the study aims to address
1. What are the current patterns and practices of firewood utilization in Barangay
Dibarason?
between firewood use and forest conservation in the specific context of Barangay Dibarosan
Lanao del Sur. This study seeks to achieve the following objectives:
Dibarosan LDS.
Sur”, aim to study seeks to bridge the gap between local practices and environmental
Dibarosan helps the community and local leaders make informed decisions about
3. Policy Development: Findings from this research can guide the formulation of
local policies, ensuring they align with the specific needs of Barangay Dibarosan
nuanced insights into the dynamics between firewood utilization and forest
the community can develop practices that balance energy needs with
This research will explore the specific dynamics of firewood utilization and its effects
on forest conservation in Barangay Dibarosan, Lanao del Sur. The inquiry involves a
thorough examination of the current practices and trends related to the use of firewood in both
households and communal spaces in Barangay Dibarosan. It aims to identify and comprehend
the social, cultural, and environmental factors influencing the community's decisions
regarding firewood usage. Additionally, the study will assess the ecological consequences
resulting from the utilization of firewood on the local forest ecosystem surrounding Barangay
certain limitations. The findings are limited to Barangay Dibarosan and may not be
contexts. The study's results are time-sensitive and may not consider potential changes in
such as time, budget, and personnel may impact the depth and comprehensiveness of data
collection and analysis. Generalizing the findings beyond Barangay Dibarosan may be
The conceptual framework for this study visualizes the intricate connection between
using firewood and preserving the forest in Barangay Dibarosan. It centers on understanding
how people use firewood, both at home and in the community. Influencing factors like
economic, cultural, and environmental aspects are expected to affect these usage patterns and,
in turn, impact the local forest. The study suggests that community awareness and practices
play a role in moderating this impact. Additionally, the presence of conservation initiatives,
Firewood Utilization Patterns: Observable and quantifiable practices within households and
the community regarding the gathering, processing, and consumption of firewood for
domestic purposes.
and access to resources, that reflect the economic and social status of individuals or
households.
and community beliefs, that shape behaviors and decisions related to firewood utilization.
availability of firewood, ecological awareness, and the environmental impact of firewood use.
local forest ecosystem, encompassing changes in forest cover, biodiversity, and the overall
ecological balance.
actively participate in and contribute to the conservation of the local forest, such as tree
both the community and local government levels aimed at preserving and sustainably
Forest Assessment Metrics: Quantifiable measures used to evaluate the health and status of
the local forest, including metrics related to tree density, species diversity, and overall forest
structure.
Community Practices: Observable behaviors and actions within the community related to
Deforestation Rates: Quantitative measures indicating the extent and speed of forest loss
within the study area over a specific period, typically expressed as the percentage of forested
land lost.
Habitat Degradation: Observable and measurable deterioration in the quality of the local
habitat, including changes in soil quality, vegetation cover, and the availability of resources
for wildlife.
Likert Scale: A standardized measurement scale used in surveys and questionnaires, ranging
from strongly agree to strongly disagree, to assess respondent attitudes and opinions.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Qualitative research method involving structured group
and FGD recordings, to identify recurring themes, patterns, and meaningful content related to
The utilization of firewood as a primary energy source in rural areas around the globe
remains a critical concern, primarily due to the financial constraints that prevent the majority
of people from adopting alternative forms of energy for cooking and heating (Boudreau et al.,
2005; Shackleton et al., 2007). Despite firewood being a renewable resource, challenges to its
sustainability arise from factors such as population growth, ongoing development activities,
and excessive usage (Gaugris & Van Rooyen, 2010; Shackleton, 1998). Previous studies have
raised two fundamental inquiries (Gaugris & Van Rooyen, 2007; Gaugris et al., 2007; Obiri et
al., 2002): (1) What constitutes sustainable utilization until a viable alternative becomes
available? and (2) At what ecological threshold is the supply of alternatives necessary?
Addressing these questions is crucial for implementing development initiatives that offer
before reaching ecologically threatening thresholds (Kyle, 2004; Madubansi & Shackleton,
2006).
Firewood refers to any wooden material collected and employed as fuel. Typically, it
is not extensively processed and maintains a recognizable log or branch form, distinguishing
it from other wood fuel forms such as pellets or chips. Additionally, firewood can be
described as dry wood utilized to produce heat energy. This generated heat serves various
There is a common misconception that forest lands are the primary source of
firewood and charcoal. However, research indicates that woodfuel materials are sourced from
places beyond forest lands. Trossero (2002) observed that people, especially women and
children, collect their firewood from "dead" wood, dry branches, and twigs. Furthermore,
Ogunsanwo et al. (2003) noted that a significant amount of firewood comes from trees
planted alongside agricultural crops, including agroforestry fruit orchards, village woodlots,
areas around homes and community buildings (like home gardens), as well as public lands
(such as avenue trees). Apart from trees, other woody plants like climbers, lianas, and shrubs
The internationally recognized tool for assessing the environmental impacts generated
by the firewood supply chain is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). According to the ISO
14040 and ISO 14044 standards, LCA involves compiling and evaluating the inputs, outputs,
and potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle. This
supply chain, from acquiring raw materials from the environment to the production,
distribution, and use of the final product. LCA assesses environmental impacts in different
categories for air, water, and soil compartments. In the air compartment, it considers global
scale impact categories like Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depletion Potential
Creation Potential (POCP) and Human Toxicity Potential (HTP). GWP influences the
greenhouse effect, causing temperature increases in the lower atmosphere that lead to climate
and environmental changes. ODP involves the decomposition of the stratospheric ozone layer,
considered global. At the local scale, LCA considers photochemical ozone creation and the
potential effects on human health through POCP and HTP categories. While all impact
categories affect human health, HTP also considers heavy metals and particles (dust)
The surge in petroleum product prices during the 1970s had a notable consequence: a
substantial increase in residential firewood use for space heating, marking a reversal in the
prolonged decline of homes heated with wood (EIA, 1980). This shift from using a fireplace
occasionally for aesthetic purposes to relying on wood for heating brought about significant
changes. Sales of efficient heating devices like wood stoves experienced sharp increases
between 1973 and 1977, with recent annual sales reaching approximately one million
(Osborne, 1982). However, the use of these devices can have a profound impact on local air
quality by limiting combustion air to achieve efficient fuel use, altering the quantity and
nature of emitted air pollutants. The list of organic compounds in wood smoke is extensive
The trend toward increased residential wood burning also entails additional
consequences, including a rise in home fires and accidents related to wood harvesting
(Morris, 1981). As a result, even without considering air pollution impacts, wood combustion
is considered one of the riskier energy technologies per unit of energy produced. This paper
delves into the present and future air pollution implications, which pose challenges for
evaluation. The emissions of air pollutants are influenced by factors like the type of
appliance, wood conditions, burning rate, and measurement methods. The impact of these
pollutants on outdoor air quality depends on meteorological conditions, wood use density,
surrounding terrain, and interactions between weather conditions and wood usage patterns.
This paper builds on previous analyses and introduces a new analysis projecting impacts until
the year 2000. The projections of increased wood consumption, by census region, result from
a cross-sectional regression of relative market shares and prices of competing fuels. These
projections are contingent on the relative prices at that time and lead to estimates of increased
air pollution.
The anticipated air quality changes in the year 2000 due to residential wood
80% compared to estimated 1979 levels. However, this upper limit scenario relies on both
worst-case emission factors and dispersion coinciding throughout the entire heating season,
an improbable situation. Assuming a log-normal distribution of both factors over the year, the
median values for fine particulate increments range from approximately 2-5 µm³, roughly
10% of the 1979 estimates for all fine particles (Lipfert & Lee, 1985).
From an ambient air quality perspective, impacts of wood burning occurring after the
1977 regulations should technically be considered when consuming increments available for
this accounting is unlikely to occur. It's noteworthy that allowable PSD (Prevention of
Significant Deterioration) air quality deterioration increments for Class II areas typically
exceed the projected impacts from wood burning, and dense firewood usage is unlikely near
Class I areas. Nevertheless, the de minimus ambient air quality increments (deemed to
constitute insignificant impact) are of a similar order, e.g., for CO, -0.5 µg/m³, 8-hour
average; for NO₂, -1.0 µg/m³, annual average; for TSP (Total Suspended Particles), -5 µg/m³,
As per the findings of Lipfert & Lee (1985), the expected air quality impacts for the
year 2000 are still relatively modest based on proposed regulatory standards. However, these
changes may represent substantial alterations in existing air quality. Special attention should
including biodiversity, energy resources, water, and food and fiber production. The primary
objective was to provide insights for the identification of potential areas suitable for a
detailed, local-scale integrated assessment. This assessment aimed to illuminate the intricate
The practice of harvesting trees, especially for purposes like firewood consumption,
directly disrupts the delicate ecological balance within an ecosystem. This impact is
shortages and pollution. The removal of essential vegetation, exemplified by tree removal,
plays a pivotal role in this scenario. The absence of trees diminishes the natural ability to
prevent soil erosion, allowing sediments to flow unchecked into bodies of water and
adversely affecting water quality. This dual consequence of water shortages and pollution
highlights the complex interplay between human activities, specifically tree harvesting, and
the broader environmental dynamics. It underscores the imperative for sustainable and
involves the cultivation of fast-growing trees, including the development of new species
There exist substantial interconnections between urban and rural areas. While rural
regions may experience economic advantages through income generated from goods and
services provided to urban populations, the reciprocal relationship is not always mutually
water and forests, influences on micro-climates, and the depletion of biodiversity, among
other impacts.
favorable habitat for biological development, with these elements actively working to sustain
and protect biological life in close coordination (Rubabaza, 2019). However, illogical
factors, including resource scarcity, soil erosion, droughts, land and mudslides, floods, loss of
vegetation cover, and disturbance to biodiversity. The over-utilization of firewood stands out
as a core influencing factor in this context (Panayotou, 2010), which will be the focus of this
study. Environmental degradation ranks among the largest threats in the world today, leading
to the depletion of resources, air pollution, soil degradation, destruction of biodiversity and
ecosystems, as highlighted by the United Nations as one of the top 10 threatening issues
(Rubabaza, 2019).
urbanization, are responsible for rapid environmental degradation, global warming, and
effects on health, loss of life, and ailments affecting millions in less developed countries.
While the developed world possesses resources to address and combat the uncertainties
caused by environmental degradation, global warming, and desertification, the impact is
and institutional activities (Rubabaza, 2019). The United Nations identifies environmental
degradation as one of the top ten threats facing the world today. This degradation occurs
when natural resources are depleted, with adverse impacts on water, air, soil, wildlife,
animals, plants, and micro-organisms due to human activities like industrialization, rapid
(Rubabaza, 2019). Researchers such as Repetto (2014) and Rowe et al. (1992) argue that
crucial for survival (Rubabaza, 2019). However, rural households face challenges as they rely
on gathering tree branches, leading to the destruction of forests due to firewood scarcity
(Rubabaza, 2019). According to a report from REMA (2018), the primary environmental
issues in Rwanda include soil degradation due to the loss of vegetation cover, overpopulation,
resettlement of the population, pressure on wetlands due to marsh cleaning and hydro-
charcoal).
results from interconnected factors, including resource scarcity, soil erosion, droughts, land
and mudslides, floods, loss of vegetation cover, and biodiversity disturbance. Among these
factors, the over-utilization of firewood stands out as a core influencing factor, which remains
To meet their energy needs, people often extract standing vegetation, leading to
widespread tree cutting. While biomass may eventually recover, the impact on biodiversity
can be permanent, especially in areas near sensitive or protected regions (Repetto, 2010). The
consequences extend to indirect economic costs for the local population, including the
reduced availability of fuel derived from nearby forests. Deforestation and land degradation
pose challenges for the local poor, as the demand from migrants increases fuel prices. On the
other hand, some members of local communities may benefit from trading firewood, charcoal,
Fuelwood serves as a crucial energy source globally, with projections for 2000
indicating a potential crisis affecting 200 million people worldwide (FAO, 1981). Concerns
were particularly raised about the depletion of African forests to fulfill rural fuelwood needs
(UN, 1981). In Mali, fuelwood plays a vital role, constituting 89.1% of the energy consumed
(CCL, 1999; SED, 2000; DNCN, 2007). Primarily utilized for cooking and boiling water in
the cold season, rural per capita fuelwood consumption in Mali ranges from 291 to 574 kg per
year (Morton, 2007). To meet the demands under maximum consumption, 0.35 hectares of
woodland are required per person annually, exerting significant pressure on forest areas. The
aggressive demand for fuelwood has led to a 6% reduction in Malian forests from 2000 to
2005 (FAO, 2007). If this trend persists, Mali could confront a fuelwood crisis within the next
In the context of firewood, the substitution effect operates via the effect of increasing
wealth on the shadow cost of time spent by household members collecting firewood.
Moreover, firewood may be an inferior good: rising wealth raises households’ ability to
afford modern fuels purchased from the market as well as their awareness and concern for the
adverse health consequences of indoor air pollution from using firewood. In contrast, the
EKC hypothesis argues that reducing poverty may initially harm the environment, on the
premise that wealth effects are positive (owing to rising energy demands with living
standards) and strong enough for poor households to outweigh related substitution effects.
effects. But the extent in which extraction becomes detrimental or not will depend on the
technology employed and the rate of extraction which in turn depends on the demand for
deforestation is not caused by the heavy reliance of people on wood fuels for energy
(Bhattarai, 1998).
approximately 2 billion people rely on it for energy (FAO, 2010). In 2011, fuelwood
consumption reached around 42 million m3, with an anticipated rise to 55 million m3 by 2030
(UN-REDD, 2017). Consequently, there is significant attention directed towards ensuring the
including activities utilizing fuelwood (San et al., 2012), fuelwood prices (Danlami, 2019),
elevation (Khuman et al., 2011), and household size (Kituyi et al., 2001; Win et al., 2018a,
2018b). Uncovering evidence on the factors influencing fuelwood consumption rates holds
as the "National Integrated Protected Area System" (NIPAS). This law serves as the primary
important public lands, and habitats for rare and endangered plant and animal species. These
designated protected areas include strict nature reserves, natural monuments, wildlife
sanctuaries, protected landscapes and seascapes, resource reserves, and natural biotic areas.
characteristics, uses, and propagation. This knowledge, passed down through generations,
prevents indiscriminate cutting and guides the community in sustainable harvesting practices.
For IPs, the forest serves as a multifaceted space—a playground, a recreational area, and a
training ground for survival skills. Their conservation practices are deeply ingrained in their
Garcia and Naganag (2014) highlight that among IPs, the gathering of firewood or
any forest product from a designated area, known as "imong," is strictly regulated and
requires the owner's permission. It is a cultural taboo to enter this area without proper
consent. Even upland farming activities, including kaingin practices, are strictly forbidden in
these areas. The forest trees within the imong are reserved for constructing houses using light
materials and for obtaining firewood. To preserve these resources, only branches are pruned,
and the cutting of trees is strictly prohibited. Theft within the imong is met with severe
punishment, with the community using a traditional practice known as sapata (swearing) to
The practice of lapat involves prohibiting the cutting of wood or grazing in a specific
area as a mark of respect for the deceased. This interdiction typically lasts a year, during
which entry, gathering of fruits, and harvesting firewood are strictly prohibited. Violation of
lapat is met with severe penalties imposed by the village community. This practice is
observed in Apayao, Cordillera Region, in the Northern Philippines, and can also be applied
within households to designate specific areas as lapat (Garcia and Naganag, 2014).
According to Garcia and Naganag (2014), IPs engage in forest management activities
resembling the natural dispersal of seeds by birds. Seeds collected during upland hunting are
intentionally spread in different areas, promoting the diversification of plants through human
intervention. This method introduces new tree species to various locations, facilitating easier
access for the community when needed. Periodic hunting and gathering practices are also
regulated, allowing wild animals to reproduce before hunting. Harvesting, land preparation,
and farming activities are synchronized within the community, fostering a collaborative
approach.
The IPs adhere to a practice of selective harvesting, ensuring that only what is needed
for daily consumption or sale is collected. This approach prevents overharvesting, with only
Kalingas and Ifugaos share a similar approach to land utilization. Specific portions of
their ancestral domains are allocated for grazing land, fetching drinking water, kaingin, rice
paddies, fruit trees, vegetables, legumes, root crops, and ceremonial offerings (sasaggangan).
B.3 Selective Cutting or Branch Pruning for Firewood
IPs implement a selective cutting approach, pruning tree branches instead of felling
entire trees. This practice ensures the stability of trees during typhoons and preserves straight
To prevent competition for sunlight and soil nutrients, IPs clean the surroundings of
each tree. Climbing vines are removed to promote straight growth, ideal for lumber and house
construction materials.
The rigorous enforcement of tribal laws acts as a deterrent against theft and
indiscriminate cutting. Perpetrators are identified through the sapata, and the elders convene
The vast majority (90 percent) of the survey participants believe that their living
conditions were better five years ago than they are currently. This assessment is grounded in a
comparison of factors such as the quantity and quality of food, social mobility, and the
duration of leisure time (Pasicolan, 1989). Fundamentally, in rural communities, the primary
source of income is the consumption of firewood, which plays a crucial economic role in
enhancing the well-being of the rural population through the utilization of forest resources.
firewood provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of this traditional energy
source. This section delves into the economic and social factors that shape the patterns of
firewood utilization within the community of Barangay Dibarosan. By exploring aspects such
as income levels, access to alternative energy sources, and cultural practices, we aim to
understand the broader context in which firewood is chosen as a primary source of energy.
Additionally, this analysis considers the implications of these socioeconomic factors on the
community's dependence on firewood and its subsequent effects on local forest conservation.
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 2.9 billion people
worldwide still rely on solid fuels, including firewood, charcoal, coal, animal dung, and
agricultural residues, as their primary energy source for cooking and water heating. The
current consumption trends of solid fuels are expected to persist, leaving approximately 2.3
billion people dependent on firewood for these purposes in the coming decades (Scheid et al.,
2018). WHO (2016) highlighted that 95% of those dependent on solid fuels are concentrated
in sub-Saharan Africa. Semenya & Machete (2019) emphasized the association between the
prevalent use of firewood and the lack of clean or modern energy, such as electricity, which is
supported by Masekameni et al. (2017), revealing that over three billion people lack access to
electricity, contributing to the continued reliance on solid fuels. The study also underscores
that, in much of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), access to electricity
remains a developmental challenge, with only a few countries surpassing 66% electrification.
Mauritius achieved 100% electrification, followed by South Africa at 85%, and Botswana at
solid fuel energy sources. Research shows that people continue to rely on biomass despite
having access to electricity (Ismail & Khembo, 2015; Masekameni et al., 2017; Semenya &
Machete, 2019). This is supported by literature indicating that South Africa, with high
electrification rates and progress in promoting modern energy accessibility, still faces
challenges. Even in electrified households, over 75% of rural households remain dependent
on solid fuels, especially firewood, for domestic needs (Israel-Ankimbo et al., 2018;
Masekameni et al., 2017). On average, rural households in South Africa exhibit a 75% to
100% dependency on firewood for cooking and water heating, while electricity is
predominantly used for lighting (Semenya and Machete, 2018; Uhunamure et al., 2017).
Fuelwood consumption patterns differ starkly between rural and urban areas,
households, particularly in Africa and South Asia, heavily rely on fuelwood, constituting over
75 percent of their energy use. This dependency intertwines with land resource management
Soussan, 1992).
For the impoverished, fuelwood is often the sole option for meeting basic needs,
making issues related to access integral to the broader rural development crisis. Regardless of
international energy developments, rural fuelwood use remains crucial, necessitating policies
household sectors primarily use fuelwood, the concept of an energy transition comes into play
as people gradually shift to modern fuels. The structure of urban fuel markets significantly
influences consumer preferences, with factors like accessibility, affordability, and supply
security impacting choices. Urban fuelwood consumption can adversely affect rural areas,
where dealers often exploit woodlands without sustainable practices, essentially depleting
embedded within the broader context of controlling and managing land resource systems
(ETC 1987).
B. Key challenges
the imbalance between supply and demand, gender inequality and knowledge gaps.
indigenous forests where tree by-products such as pruned branches from forest plantations or
fallen pieces of wood are collected. Some firewood is also gathered from ‘gazetted’ forests.
Through restrictions on the number of human loads that can be collected per day and on
implements that can be used in wood-cutting (e.g. machetes, not axes). However, enforcement
of these regulations is often weak, leading to illegal harvesting of young trees, thus hindering
natural regeneration of trees and threatening already low forest cover. The demand for
commercial firewood from private plantations and individual farms currently exceeds supply,
The challenging and tiring task of collecting firewood for household use is often the
responsibility of women and children. This involves spending at least one day each week
travelling long distances to the forest hence limited time to be involved in other more
productive activities, and carrying heavy loads of firewood on their backs or heads, thus
risking spinal, head and leg injuries. In addition, they are at risk of being attacked by wild
animals and human beings. Young children involved in firewood collection often miss
2014). Besides the negative impacts of firewood collection, the household air pollution
generated by the use of firewood in inefficient cookstoves – e.g. the traditional three-stone
fire – in poorly ventilated dwellings mainly affects women and children who spend most of
their time in the kitchen. These devices produce products of incomplete combustion that are
associated with respiratory diseases. According to the latest Global Burden of Disease
estimates, use of biomass fuels is now the second leading risk factor for ill health in
Giving women such a role implies challenging or circumventing the social and
institutional barriers that limit the scope for integrating women in the planning process.
Needless to say, this task will be difficult in most communities where men control the
resources (especially land and cash) needed to confront fuelwood stress. Furthermore, men
typically dominate local institutions that regulate resource management, provide links to the
outside world, and perpetuate gender inequalities. This situation creates particularly difficult
problems because the local land, finance, and institutions are obviously the resources that
need to be harnessed to build local solutions to fuelwood stress (Mercer and Soussan, 1992).
According to Nyambane et al., 2014 that firewood collection and use is a traditional
activity that has received relatively limited attention from researchers, development
practitioners, development partners (donors) and policy makers. This has led to a general lack
of knowledge on how to move to more sustainable practices associated with the use of
include:
Farmers: Knowledge on farm planning such as where, how and which species of
trees to plant on their farms and how to harvest firewood from these trees (Miti,
2013).
firewood cookstoves.
Policy makers: Scalable data on good practices as well as funding and
CHAPTER III
This chapter includes the locale of the study, research design, duration of the study,
entry protocol and reconnaissance, specific methods, and the data analysis.
del Sur. Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 901. This represented 3.40% of
7.8697, 124.0874, on the island of Mindanao, with an estimated elevation of 1,063.7 meters
In the 2015 Census, the residential population of Dibarosan stood at 902, distributed
among 148 households, averaging 6.09 members per household. According to the census
data, the age category with the highest population in Dibarosan is 5 to 9 years old, accounting
for 164 individuals. Conversely, the age brackets 65 to 69 and 70 to 74 have the lowest
population, each with only one individual. When combining age groups, those aged 14 and
below, constituting the young dependent population, make up 49.11% (443 individuals). In
contrast, individuals aged 15 to 64, representing the economically active population and
potential workforce members, constitute 50.22% (453 individuals). Finally, the old dependent
population, comprising senior citizens aged 65 and above, totals 0.67% (6 individuals). The
calculated Age Dependency Ratios reveal that in Dibarosan, there are 98 youth dependents
for every 100 working-age individuals, one senior citizen for every 100 in the workforce, and
overall, 99 dependents (combining young and old) for every 100 working-age individuals.
The median age of 15 indicates that half of Dibarosan's population is below 15, while the
rising from 242 in 1990 to 901 in 2020, marking a notable increase of 659 people. However,
the latest census figures from 2020 show a marginal negative growth rate of 0.02%, indicating
Figure 2: Showing the map of Brgy. Dibarosan, Madalum, Lanao del Sur.
Research Design
This study uses a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly investigate the connection
between firewood use and forest conservation in Barangay Dibarosan, Lanao del Sur. The
households to examine current firewood usage patterns. The surveys will explore the
frequency, methods, and reasons for using firewood. Statistical tools, such as descriptive
statistics and regression analysis, will analyze the data to identify correlations between
firewood use and potential influencing factors. Simultaneously, the qualitative phase includes
in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with purposefully selected
firewood. Content analysis of qualitative data, including interview transcripts and FGD
recordings, will provide insights into socio-economic, cultural, and environmental influences,
and ecological assessments, alongside the survey and interview data, involve on-site
observations and collaboration with environmental experts to measure the impact of firewood
use on forest conservation. The integration of findings through triangulation aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between firewood use and forest
1. Research Initiation (Nov-Dec 2023): Define objectives, get approvals, finalize the
2. Literature Review (Nov 2023-Jan 2024): Review existing literature on firewood use,
3. Research Design and Ethics (Dec 2023-Jan 2024): Plan the mixed-methods approach,
set survey parameters, collaborate with experts, establish ethical protocols, and ensure
compliance.
4. Surveys and Data Collection (Dec 2023-Apr 2024): Implement the mixed-methods
approach, conduct surveys, interviews, and collaborate with experts while ensuring
ethical standards.
5. Data Analysis (Mar-May 2024): Use statistical tools, explore correlations, identify
7. Research Defense (Ongoing from Apr 2024): Present and defend the research through
various channels, ensure clarity and coherence, and submit the final edited hardbound
thesis.
Table 1. Presents the Gantt Chart/Timeline illustrating the comprehensive schedule for this research.
The estimated budget for this research project, ranging from 20,000.00 to 25,000, is
carefully crafted to cover all aspects of the research process, including collaboration and
coordination at all levels of the Local Government Unit. The budget is designed to be flexible,
transportation, meals (including snacks for respondents), and various field-related costs,
ensuring the smooth execution of the study. Additionally, it covers data analysis, expert
consultation, and the preparation of the final paper. Funds are allocated for the defense of
research findings and the production of a hardbound copy. While these figures are estimates,
the acknowledgment of potential variability emphasizes the understanding that actual needs
and costs may change during the research process. This detailed breakdown aims to promote
transparency and facilitate a precise assessment of the financial requirements for the
successful completion of the research, including collaboration and coordination at all levels of
Specific Methods
The study on firewood use and forest conservation in Barangay Dibarosan employs a
structured surveys, employing random or stratified sampling, to collect data on firewood use
patterns and potential influencing factors. Statistical tools analyze the survey data. In the
qualitative phase, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions explore socio-economic,
cultural, and environmental influences. Site observations and ecological assessments, in
collaboration with experts, provide on-the-ground insights into firewood practices and their
impact on the local forest. Integrating findings from both methods enhances validity, and the
research team prepares a comprehensive report with visual aids for clarity. Findings are
shared with the community to enrich the study with local perspectives and foster community
to comprehensively explore firewood use and forest conservation. The study aims to
understand patterns, influences, and impacts while involving the community through
Data Analysis
In the data analysis phase, the research will utilize Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to
align results with the research objectives. ANOVA will be applied to evaluate variations in
line with the first objective. Additionally, it will help identify influencing factors related to
socio-economic, cultural, and environmental aspects, aligning with the second objective. The
in alignment with the third objective. This statistical approach ensures a structured and
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