[01] Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua, Department of Environment, University of Gbado-Lite, Gbado-Lite, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Department of Environment and Geography, Abumombazi Higher Educational Institute, Abumombazi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [02] Clarisse Falanga Mawi, Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [03] Ruphin Djolu Djoza, Department of Environment, University of Gbado-Lite, Gbado-Lite, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [04] Colette Masengo Ashande, Department of Environment, University of Gbado-Lite, Gbado-Lite, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [05] Andre Gamo Nzamonga, Department of Environment, Northern University of Equateur, Gbado-Lite, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [06] Gedeon Bongo Ngiala, Department of Environment, University of Gbado-Lite, Gbado-Lite, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [07] Gbolo Zoawe Benjamin, Department of Environment, University of Gbado-Lite, Gbado-Lite, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [08] Mudogo Virima, Department of Chemistry, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [09] Pius Tshimankinda Mpiana, Department of Chemistry, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Clay brick is one of the most important materials for the construction in rural areas of Africa. However, the consumption of such earth-based materials in the production process resulted in resource depletion, environmental degradation, and energy consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the manufacture of clay bricks in Gbado-Lite city. To this end, a survey was carried out among 30 clay brick manufacturers in Gbado-Lite city, Nord-Ubangi between March and June 2019. The results show that the age of the population varies between 18 and 45 years and of which 60% have a secondary level, 13.33% are academics and 26.67% have a primary education. However, 60% of respondents have 5 to 10 people in their household, while 67% of respondents have experience in this activity,. The most slaughtered plant species are Acacia sp., Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum., Western Anacardium sp. L., Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson ex F. A. Zorn), Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., Mangifera indica L., Persea americana Mill. and Terminalia catappa L. The profit from the manufacture of clay bricks is estimated at approximately 880,000 CDF (US$522,353). This money is intended for children's schooling, health care and other daily needs. The level of education of the respondents does not positively influence their behavior towards the environment. It is therefore desirable that this informal sector be taxed and that, in addition, it should also create a company specializing in the creation of artificial forests (reforestation or restoration of wood-vegetation) in order to sustainably support the city's supply of baked bricks. In addition, it is important to raise public awareness about environmental protection and to introduce these concepts into the training program at the primary and secondary school level.

Clay Bricks, Wood Fuel, Environment, Nord Ubangi, Ubangian Eco-region

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