Urban Consumption of Charcoal and Its Implications on Deforestation in Puntland, Somalia

Slow-growing Acacia species, such as A.bussei and A.nilotica, constitute the main part of the woody vegetation and the backbone of economic activities in the dryland ecosystems of Puntland state, Somalia. These trees are the most important, if not the only, customary source of energy for the whole Somali population to meet their household cooking needs. Charcoal manufacturing and use are often claimed to be a major threat to maintaining a tree cover on drylands, especially when these activities are linked to national and international trade, as is the situation in Puntland. The main aim of this study was to analyse the effect of urban charcoal consumption on forest loss in Puntland. Another aim was to contribute to new policy and management recommendations in order to alleviate the pressure on forest and tree resources and to diminish the dependency on energy derived from charcoal. The present results show that the average kiln efficiency in charcoal production was around 20%. In the urban household surveys conducted in four towns, the mean per capita consumption was found to be between 2.7 and 4 sacks, corresponding to 63kg and 93kg per person and year, respectively. There was significant variation in charcoal consumption between the four towns studied (Garowe, Burtinle, Bossaso and Galkayo), with Garowe consuming significantly less than the other three towns. This disparity renders further studies on ways to increase energy efficiency important. Assuming that 95% of the population of Puntland relies on charcoal, the total area of acacia forest cleared every year in the state for charcoal production purposes can be estimated to be 2,400 ha. In order to attain sustainable management in its forests and woodlands, Puntland should increase its woody vegetation cover and develop a monitoring system for its forest and tree resources based on new scientific research. Similarly, to other countries in the Horn of Africa region, Somalia and the Puntland state, as part of it, must find a balance between conserving tree resources and supplying wood fuel. However, an ultimate solution requires observing the specific local conditions. Additionally, policies should be established that contribute to improvements along the whole wood energy value chain. Such policies can guide the management of natural and planted forests to rural communities, state agencies and the private sector. Similar guidance is needed for wood harvesting and utilisation, especially paying attention to kiln and cooking stove efficiency and alternative energy sources. This would profoundly change the present situation in which the charcoal used in the state comes exclusively from natural, unmanaged forests and woodlands. Alternative potential sources for household energy are LPG, kerosene and solar energy, but their wider use also necessitates research and development in a participatory way