1. ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Author information
Name Nick O’Connor
Company Rainlands Timber
Address Office address: Plot 2305, Kamfinsa
Mailing address: Box 22370, Kitwe
Email address oconnors.nick@googlemail.com
Phone + 260 - 965 - 803 122
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2. Abstract
Title Alternatives to charcoal
Abstract The main aim of our presentation is to create awareness so that
all players in the conservation field including Government, all the
aid agencies, NGOs, businesses and individuals can combine
with us to reduce the rate of deforestation in Zambia by providing
economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives.
We aim to draw attention to the areas that are not funded at this
time and highlight areas that need change.
Deforestation is a priority environmental challenge in Zambia.
Wood harvesting for charcoal production is one of the main
causes for forest loss. Households accounted in 2007 for about
88% of wood fuel consumption with cooking and heating being
the major household use. The household sector is the largest
consumer of wood fuel and initiatives are needed to reduce not
only the consumption but dependence on charcoal income
through sustainable provision of affordable, reliable and
innovative energy methods to rural and urban households as well
as agricultural alternatives.
The existing charcoal stoves and production methods for charcoal
represent an inefficient use of energy. Associated negative
impacts are emissions contributing to climate change (methane,
CO2) and substantial releases of toxic emissions (CO, PM) in the
kitchen environment
Project objectives: The long term objective is to combat the
accelerating depletion of indigenous forests driven by the
charcoal industry and to reduce the demand for wood fuel by
introducing a new value chain of fuel efficient and clean burning
stoves along with suitable fuel.
Obstacles for the change over from charcoal to more sustainable
and more climate beneficial systems are as follows
Key words Charcoal, value chains, pellets, biomass
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