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As in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the fuel wood economy in Nigeria involves the urban and rural populace engaged in the production and distribution of fuel wood which has increasingly provided temporary and permanent sources of energy and employment opportunities. This study examines the role of fuel wood trade in the livelihoods of women in the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja, Jos and Makurdi, and its challenges against the backdrop of prevailing economic realities of the Nigerian state over the recent decades. Available literature on the informal economy including fuel wood activities in developing nations such as Nigeria were important secondary sources consulted for the study. Primary data on the nature and dynamics of fuel wood trade among women in the study areas were also important for reaching the conclusions in the study. Using Central Nigeria, the research draws attention to the impact of the informal economy on livelihoods and development in Nigeria, the challenges of the informal economy as well as policy options especially in line with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly, extreme poverty and hunger reduction, promoting gender equality and women empowerment.

Informal Economy, Poverty, Livelihoods, Fuel Wood Trade, Women,