Policy Solutions for Sustainable Charcoal in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

An estimated 90 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Greening the charcoal value chain can potentially allow nations to meet their energy commitments for cooking and heating in a sustainable manner while smoothing the way for a gradual transition to ‘modern’ cooking technology. We must begin to talk about charcoal, not as a fuel on its way out, but rather as a fuel with the potential to transform lives today while protecting our forests.