"Collecting Firewood: Lessons Learned in the African Forest"

"Collecting Firewood: Lessons Learned in the African Forest"

One of my usual responsibilities as a young boy living in a small community in West Africa was to go get firewood. It was a work that took a lot of stamina, patience, and forest-specific knowledge. Every morning, when I first awoke, I was ready to start my day.

I would reach for my machete and a bag first. My primary instrument for chopping down trees, branches, and twigs was the machete. The firewood was returned home in the sack. With my brother and a few other village boys, I would then leave for the adjacent forest.

We were encircled by tall trees and thick underbrush as we entered the jungle. The forest was large and easy to get lost in, so we had to be careful not to do so. We would walk along pathways that had already been used by others, frequently zigzagging through the forest to avoid hazards like fallen trees or dense undergrowth.

We would constantly search for naturally falling or already-dead trees. It was crucial to avoid felling live trees because doing so would harm the ecology and have an impact on the local fauna. We would cut the branches from the trees with our machetes and break them into smaller pieces that would fit in our backpacks.

Every now and again, we would come across a big tree that had already fallen, and we'd spend hours splitting it up. We frequently took turns while working hard, taking breaks, and switching between activities. The larger pieces were retained for cooking fires, while the smaller ones were utilized as kindling.

The wildlife in the forest was one of the most crucial things we needed to be on the lookout for. There were poisonous animals that might hurt people, like snakes and scorpions. We were quite cautious when gathering the firewood and kept a constant look out for anything that might pose a threat. We made sure to leave because we were aware that disturbing the local fauna could lead to problems.

As little disturbance as possible to the forest

⇒ find your soul mate

We occasionally ran with other peasants who were also gathering firewood. We would frequently pause and converse, swapping tales and trading advice. The sacks of firewood were a big load to carry alone, so we would also assist one another in carrying them.

We would ultimately pack our luggage to the brim after spending hours walking and looking for firewood. The moment has come to return home. The stage of the task where we had to carry the bulky suitcases on our backs was frequently the most difficult. We would frequently alternate carrying the bags while stopping for rests and water breaks.

We would unload the sacks and properly stack the firewood when we at last returned to the settlement. Knowing that we had helped with the household's fuel demands made, seeing the results of our labour. The firewood was an essential part of our everyday lives because we would use it for cooking, heating, and lighting.

For us, gathering firewood was more than simply a task. It provided an opportunity for social interaction, forest exploration, and appreciation of the natural resources in our immediate surroundings. It was also a lesson in sustainability because we learned to take only what we needed and to be aware of our environmental impact.

Looking back, I see how much I learned from getting firewood during those times. It helped me understand the significance of endurance, hard work, and community. It also taught me to value the little things in life and to pay attention to my surroundings. Even though I no longer need to go hunting for firewood in the woods, the lessons I learned have had a lasting impact on who I am today.