Fuel substitution in sub-Saharan Africa

Journal Article · · Environmental Management; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02394671· OSTI ID:6954885

Dang, H

Deforestation and decline in agricultural productivity are major concerns over large parts of sub-Saharan Africa. One of the principal causes for both these phenomena is the export of woodfuels from rural agroecosystems to urban markets. This process is noteworthly because of the size of the trade. Wood fuels (fuelwood, charcoal, and agricultural residues) constitute the most important source of energy in these countries, varying from 60% to 95% of total energy consumption. In terms of the environmental impact of the fuelwood trade, solutions typically considered are the introduction of improved cookstoves, fuelwood plantations, and fuel substitution by conventional fuels. This article examines the structure of the fuelwood problem, reviews the successes and failures of past experiences, and focuses on the potential for fuel substitution as an option to reduce the urban demand for fuelwood. 35 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.

• OSTI ID: 6954885
• Journal Information: Environmental Management; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Management; (United States) Vol. 17:3; ISSN EMNGDC; ISSN 0364-152X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
090700 -- Biomass Fuels-- Resources-- (1990-)
093000* -- Biomass Fuels-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects-- (1990-)
AFRICA
DEFORESTATION
ENERGY SOURCES
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
FUELS
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RENEWABLE RESOURCES
RESOURCES
RURAL AREAS
URBAN AREAS
WOOD FUELS