Growing wood for fuel

Harvesting fuelwood

Description

Growing wood for fuel involves cultivating fast-growing tree species specifically for use as firewood or biomass energy. This strategy aims to provide a renewable, locally-sourced alternative to fossil fuels, reducing deforestation and pressure on natural forests. By establishing managed woodlots or agroforestry systems, communities can ensure a sustainable supply of fuel, improve soil quality, and generate income, while addressing energy shortages and mitigating environmental degradation caused by unsustainable wood harvesting.

Context

The World Bank estimates that existing rates of tree planting in sub-Saharan Africa would have to be increased 15 times to meet fuelwood demands by the year 2000.

Implementation

There is a great demand for firewood in Yemen, and the local supply is very limited. The establishment of a tree-farming industry would seem like an excellent idea, but is is not clear whether the local people would be receptive to such a plan. Rural Yemenites tend to be rather self-reliant, cynical people who distrust outsiders and their own government. An FOA team instituted a three-phase investigation of the potential for agroforestry in Yemen. Phase I involved conducting an ecological study of the area and winning the cooperation of the local people. Phase II involved the construction of a statistical model of the region's ecology and the formation of a community-based agroforestry program. Phase III is currently ongoing, and involves the establishment of specific projects (erosion control, dune stabilizing, fuelwood plantations, etc.).