Search

Wood wastage during conversion has been identified as one of the factors contributing to forest loss. This study analysed efficiency of timber conversion at the sawmill section of Calabar Wood Export Processing Factory (CWEPF), Cross River State, Nigeria. Ten commonly processed timber species were monitored through the various machines during the conversion process. The various wastes associated with the conversion and numbers of sawn timber produced were analysed. The mean percentage of total wood waste generated during conversion process at the mill was found to vary from 46.89% in Cylicodiscus gabunensis to 55.49% in Tectonia grandis. The mean volume of wood waste due to back was found to vary from 0.019m³ in Cylicodiscus gabunensis to 0.133m³ in Afzelia africana. The mean percentage of recovery efficiency for the ten sampled log species was 46.87%. The recovery percentage varied from 46.24% in Afzelia Africana to 53.11% in Cylicodiscus gabunensis. The percentage of recovery of the ten sampled species was found to be significantly different. The study shows that conversion efficiency of the mill is comparably low; this has the potential of increasing demand for more logs and forest exploitation. There is need for improved technology that promotes efficient and effective timber conversion to facilitate sustainable timber exploitation in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]