BIOMASS ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND ITS UTILIZATION PATTERN BY THE TRIBES OF BILIGIRI RANGANA (BR) HILLS, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Biomass energy is a prime requirement for meeting the domestic needs among the rural folk of developing countries. Sources for biomass energy are mainly derived from wood, agricultural residues and cow dung cakes. This study investigated the consumption and utilization pattern of firewood species among the six tribes of Biligiri Rangana hills. Field exploration, identification and sample collections of the wood species were made. The calorific value and the ash content of the firewood species were determined. The paper examined the socio-economic status, housing pattern and type of cook stoves used by the tribes. The paper highlights the calorific value, ash content of firewood species and housing pattern of the tribes.