Charcoal governance in Zambia: actors and institutions.
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Date
2020
Authors
Kaywala, Ilitongo
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Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Woodfuel (charcoal and firewood) is a crucial component of the energy supply chain in sub-Saharan Africa with over 80 percent of the population depending on it as their primary energy source (Sepp, 2008; Njenga, et. el., 2013). In Zambia, it accounts for more than 70 percent of total energy consumption (GRZ, 2019). Studies show that in the absence of new policies, this heavy reliance on woodfuel, charcoal in particular, is likely to continue in developing countries as access to alternatives such as LPG, kerosene and electricity is limited and costly (FAO, 2017; Mugo & Ong, 2006).
This research sought to determine the impact that actors and institutions have on the sustainability of the charcoal value chain in Zambia. The study employed the use of secondary data to establish the historical trends in the value chain. Further, using the value chain analysis approach, two case studies in a high charcoal production area (Kapiri Mposhi) and a high charcoal consumption area (Lusaka) were conducted to establish the current situation regarding charcoal. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and observations were employed for data collection for the case studies.
The charcoal value chain consists of five stages, being: wood resource production, charcoal production, transportation, trade and consumption. The findings of the study were that there has been a general increase in charcoal production, consumption and prices over the past twenty years while forest resources have been declining. The actors in the value chain were found to be: state actors (Departments of Forestry and Energy) and non - state actors (traditional leadership, producers, traders and local people). The laws and regulations are mainly enshrined in the Forests Act, Energy Regulation Act, National Energy Policy and National Forestry Policy. However, it was observed that the governance of the sector was conducted in a segmented manner and this impacted on the value chain in that focus was on certain parts of the value chain while some parts remained mostly unregulated. Further, the informal nature of the charcoal value chain makes it difficult for the government to enforce regulations resulting in the overexploitation of the forest resources by end users.
The study concluded that the charcoal value was very unsustainable and that given the current interaction between the actors and the gaps in the regulatory framework, this situation is unlikely to change. This study thus recommends a two pronged approach to the governance of charcoal i.e. deliberately setting up charcoal production areas and secondly, regulation of the charcoal product throughout the value chain thus ensuring sustainable production and utilisation. This would involve formalisation of the value chain through development of subsidiary legislation and regulations for woodfuel to actualise some of the provisions of the Forests Act and Policies.
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Keywords
Charcoal. , Sustainable development--Zambia