Fuelwood: Energy, Belief System and Popular Cultural Practices in Nigeria.

The article focuses on the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of fuelwood (charcoal) consumption in southwestern Nigeria, highlighting its role beyond domestic use to include industrial and commercial applications. Drawing on ethnographic research and the concept of cultural appropriation, it examines how indigenous beliefs, popular cultural practices, and rural-urban social interactions shape fuelwood production, distribution, and consumption. The study reveals that charcoal has gained cosmopolitan status, bridging rural and urban identities, and holds significant cultural and religious meanings, especially within Yoruba traditions and broader African diasporic contexts. Despite its economic importance, challenges such as inadequate government regulation, environmental concerns, and limited industrialization persist, prompting calls for sustainable policies and increased awareness to support both environmental preservation and socio-economic development.