Woodfuel at crossroads – sustainable solutions for Southern Africa

Woodfuel – especially charcoal – powers the lives of millions across Sub-Saharan Africa, but at an increasing cost. This cost is particularly severe in Southern Africa, where rising demand and inefficient practices are placing forests and ecosystems under unprecedented pressure, while outdated technologies continue to jeopardize health and livelihoods. 

In Southern Africa, as urbanization accelerates, charcoal demand is projected to triple by 2050, placing immense pressure on the Miombo-Mopane ecoregion, a vital biodiversity hotspot. Without urgent intervention in both policy and practice, this trend will only worsen. Malawi, for example could lose up to 79 percent of its tree cover, while Tanzania and Zambia are also facing severe degradation. Increasing awareness, defining actions and establishing priorities for transition to a sustainable woodfuel requires access to reliable data and information.

The DSL-IP response

To address the challenge, the FAO-led GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP), has conducted a groundbreaking study with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) to map woodfuel supply and demand dynamics across eight countries. Using advanced modeling, the study examines:

• Current and future woodfuel demand (2010-2050)
• Impacts on forests and biomass stocks
• Emissions and mitigation potential

Preliminary findings show annual emissions of 170 Mton CO2e, with charcoal as the main driver. The study will inform policy reforms, investment strategies, and community-driven solutions – from improved kilns and cookstoves to agroforestry and certification schemes.

Why this matters for policy and investment

The study underscores a critical gap: reliable data. Without accurate projections of biomass stocks, consumption trends, and emissions, policy and investment decisions remain constrained. This assessment provides the evidence base needed to:

• Inform regional policy reforms for sustainable woodfuel governance and practical interventions; 
• Guide investment in clean technologies such as improved kilns and efficient cookstoves;
• Support community-driven solutions like agroforestry and certification schemes that drive transition to sustainable wood fuel sector; and
• Integrate woodfuel sustainability into broader energy and land management strategies.

What’s next: building momentum

While the full results of the study are expected to be shared at the Sustainable Woodfuel Forum, planned for April 2026 (Livingstone, Zambia), this ongoing work is already shaping dialogue on:

• Greening the charcoal value chain – from sustainable sourcing, through efficient carbonization to clean end-use technologies and promoting the adoption of woodfuel energy alternatives;
• Regional cooperation for harmonized trade and certification systems; and
• Innovative financing models to support smallholder producers and SMEs. 

The Forum will convene policymakers, private sector actors, and community representatives to translate evidence into actionable policy and investment pathways for clean energy, resilient livelihoods, and healthy ecosystems.

Call to action

Key insights from the study and the roadmap for sector transformation will be shared in due course. In the meantime, explore how you can engage:

• Partner with DSL-IP to scale best practices and innovations; and
• Support data-driven solutions for sustainable energy and land management.