Effects of Charcoal Production on Environment in the Lower Shebelle Region, Somalia

Abstract

Every country requires energy in order to develop. Somalia, a developing country relies to a large extent on wood fuel (especially charcoal) to satisfy its energy demands. Charcoal energy plays a major role in the rapid growth of Somalia’s urban centers. This study looked into the environmental effects of charcoal production in Somalia with a focus on the Lower Shebelle region, a region that has been experiencing rapid deforestation but there is little or no data to inform a deeper understanding of the issues and concerns. This study set out to address three objectives: to determine factors motivating charcoal production activities in the lower Shebelle region; to examine effects of charcoal production on the environment in lower Shebelle region and; to assess how different measures put in place are regulating charcoal production in the lower Shebelle. Using a cross-sectional research strategy, the study employed a questionnaire to obtain data from a simple random sample of 384 households which were producers. Data were analyzed by applying procedures in the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, and the results were displayed as text, tables, and charts in accordance with study objectives. The study findings and conclusions include that the market demand has shown a great preference for charcoal produced from the acacia tree (49%) and the highest price per sack of charcoal was $15. Unemployment was a major motivating factor of charcoal production. Therefore, Producers have established lucrative charcoal firms and reap tremendous profits by taking advantage of high demand and good prices on the international/local market, as well as a weak or non-existent regulatory framework for charcoal in Somalia. In addition to that, the study found that loss of plants (42%) was the most important environmental effect, followed by desertification (15%), soil erosion (15%), and loss of soil productivity (29%). The greatest advantage of burning charcoal for the locals was a source of income or employment. It was found that diversifying economic activities was the most effective strategy to control charcoal production. Therefore, the study recommends that; to alter present charcoal production techniques, such as the traditional ones (earth mound kiln), and introduce more improved charcoal manufacturing technologies (Drum kiln & improved earth kiln) and also to help the charcoal burners and other people make a living, trainings on how to run small-scale income-generating businesses should be given to them.