Caatinga (dryland) plants used as fuel by rural communities were examined to verify the criteria that determined the preference and use of each species, as well as the techniques and patterns involved in their harvesting. Fieldwork was carried out utilizing various methodologies for collecting and analyzing data, including semi-structured interviews, guided-tours, and direct observation. Differences in knowledge concerning the use of fuelwood species were examined in terms of informant sex and age, and local availability of these resources. A total of 67 plants were cited as energy sources, of which only 27 were actually used as domestic fuel, and 10 for charcoal production. The species most well known were the most collected, independent of their availability, in spite of the fact that other highly preferred species were more available. As only a small group of plants were heavily used, it will be important to quantify the harvesting of these resources in the region in order to estimate the impact of this use on the local vegetation. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.