Charcoal value chains in Africa and their role for sustainable development

Swedish Development Research Network (SweDev)

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Abstract: Can the Forest Pledge support a sustainable charcoal sector in Africa? It is about understanding the big picture – and the details, write researchers from Sweden, Kenya and Niger. The Forest Pledge of November 2 , signed by over 100 governments at COP26, aims at halting global deforestation before 2030. Similar initiatives to save the forests have been launched before, and we can this time learn from past mistakes. For Africa, the charcoal sector will have a key role to play in the outcome of the Forest Pledge due to its size and role for livelihoods. To succeed this time, the campaign must seriously involve key stakeholders, apply sound management principles and study the linkages between the state of the forests and associated value chains.