This study examined the spatial and temporal changes in fuel wood exploitation as a result of
environmental degradation, between 2008 and 2013 in Delta State, Nigeria. It utilised data from
both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained from a survey of selected
settlements using a questionnaire. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to select
sample for the study. The first stage involved the random selection of one rural settlement each
from three ecological zones. The second stage involved enumeration of 362 household heads
engaged in fuel wood collection in selected settlements. The questionnaire covered impact of
fuel wood exploitation on the environment and variations in distances from residence to points
of exploitation between 2008 and 2013. The pair-wise student t-test was used to analyse the
data collected for the study. There were significant dynamics in distances (t=-16.078, df= 361,
p<0.05) over the two-time period. The study recommends the development of alternative energy
sources for sustainable use of the environment