Tool Details
Safe access to firewood and alternative energy (SAFE) in humanitarian settings - FAO in emergencies guidance note
Year of publication 2013
Safe access to cooking fuel can save lives in humanitarian contexts; supporting safe access to sufficient and appropriate cooking fuel for affected populations requires greater attention and a multi-sectoral approach from the humanitarian system.
The collection, supply, and use of biomass cooking fuel in emergencies creates a myriad of risks for crisis-affected people and their environment, including rape or assault during firewood collection, environmental degradation, and respiratory illnesses caused by the indoor burning of biomass materials.
Firewood collection and charcoal production put an increased strain on already fragile
environments, contributing to soil erosion, desertification, increased exposure to natural disasters such as droughts and floods, and to loss of agricultural livelihoods.
Food and energy security are basic requirements in a humanitarian response as well as
for poverty reduction and rural development. Not properly addressing fuel needs during a humanitarian response can have a direct bearing on immediate and longer-term food and nutritional security.
FAO’s response to the cooking needs of assisted populations in emergency and recovery contexts focuses on natural resources management and livelihood activities, contributing to increased resilience in crisis and disaster-affected areas.
Type of Tool
Guidelines manual kits for trainers
Guidelines manual kits for trainers
Scale of Application
Forest Management Unit, National
Forest Management Unit, National
Region
Global
Global
Biome
All
All
Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)
All forest types (natural and planted)
Primary Designated Function
Multiple use
Multiple use
Management Responsibility
Community/Smallholders, Other (NGO, CSO, education/research institution, etc.)
Community/Smallholders, Other (NGO, CSO, education/research institution, etc.)