Wood fuels consumption in households in the Republic of Srpska: A comparative analysis of the wisdom methodology and official statistics

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a research on wood fuels used for heating in households in the Republic of Srpska (RS). The main objective of this research was to determine the real consumption of wood fuels in households in the Republic of Srpska using the internationally recognized WISDOM methodology, as well as to compare the obtained results with the official statistical data. In order to conduct the research and obtain a relevant sample, the Republic of Srpska was divided into six mesoregions. The research was conducted in 3,149 households, namely 1,380 urban and 1,769 other households. The results indicated that firewood and other wood fuels were used in 334,761 households. Analyzing the differences between the results obtained using the WISDOM methodology and the official statistical data for the Republic of Srpska, it can be concluded that the consumption of firewood was on average 3.41 times higher compared to the official statistical data. Results of similar research projects implemented in the surrounding countries showed similar trends. The paper suggests the necessity of adopting a new approach and comprehensive research in surveys conducted by official institutions.