Charcoal and deforestation: Case study of Puntland, Somalia

This case study examines the extensive use of charcoal as fuel in Puntland, Somalia, and its critical impact on deforestation. Drawing on a field survey conducted in four principal towns (Garowe, Burtinle, Bosaso, and Galkayo), the authors quantify per-person charcoal consumption—averaging around 84 kg annually—and estimate that meeting urban demand alone clears approximately 830 hectares of forest per year, while total regional reliance on charcoal may account for up to 2,400 hectares of deforestation annually. The research highlights not only the high domestic consumption but also the export-driven demand linked to Gulf markets, and the involvement of non-state actors in the charcoal economy. Recognizing the pressing environmental and socio-economic stakes, the authors call for urgently needed policies to improve kiln efficiency, support alternative energy options (like LPG or solar), encourage community-based management of wood resources, and develop longer-term strategies for reforestation and sustainable land use.