CHAPOSA – Socio-Economics of Charcoal Extraction in Tanzania
A socio-economic study was conducted in 1999 in the eastern part of Tanzania covering
woodlands in charcoal potential areas of Kitulangalo,Mbwewe and Bana which lie in the
miombo woodlands. The purpose of the study was to assess socio-economic factors related to
charcoal extraction in the study area. Data were collected by a household survey using
structured questionnaire, interviews, focussed discussions and participant observation. Results
show that there have been substantial immigration of people into charcoal potential areas
in search for employment by engaging in charcoal extraction. Most of these people are
from distant ethnic groups who have been retrenched in urban centres and in consequence
have decided to settle in these areas. Even indigenous inhabitants who have been stricken by
poverty and thus have low income and limited access to alternative energy sources have been
forced to find refuge in charcoal extraction for employment and income. Thus poverty seems
to be the prominent factor compelling people to engage in charcoal extraction. Most of the
charcoal is locally and extracted by traditional often inefficient earth-kilns using simple implements
and household labour. Urban –based charcoal dealers are the main buyers and
sometimes employ local people to produce charcoal for them for sale in urban centres. There
is a lucrative charcoal trade between producers and urban traders rendering the often regarded
minor forest product a source of livelihood and income to many people. The huge
number of preferred species available in the area and many producers has made the price of
charcoal relatively low to the disadvantage of producers. There is also an apparent undervaluation
of charcoal hence its relative cheaper price, coupled with availability and reliable
supply charcoal has been rendered a more affordable source of energy. It is concluded that
with the burgeoning population, demand for charcoal will continue to rise under conditions
of declining income. These factors will compel more people to extract more charcoal from
dwindling woodlands. Thus as more people will engage in charcoal extraction for sale,
strains on the woodlands will rise and result in further depletion of the resource base due to
increasing deforestation. Intervention measures to improve efficiency in charcoal extraction
are crucial. Also sustainable forest management practices involving communities need to be
introduced. Furthermore affordable alternative energy sources need to be solicited.