About five hundred scientists and researchers are meeting at the KNUST to fashion out ways of enhancing the sustainable production of charcoal across Africa.
The conference is connecting policymakers and the private sector to advocate and explore strategies for scaling up.
Research shows wood fuel constitutes over 70 percent of the energy needs for cooking and heating in sub-Saharan Africa.
Scientists have observed consumption is on the rise, but accessibility to many households is characterized by poor harvesting and processing practices.
Professor Emmanuel Acheampong is the principal investigator of the conference.
“We are looking at ways in which we can enhance the contribution of charcoal to livelihoods while avoiding the undermining of raw materials on which charcoal is based. We need to find innovative ways to produce charcoal”, he said.
He then indicated that “A major solution is for institutions to establish their own woodlots so they can produce charcoal sustainably.”
The Conference's objective is to promote understanding and sharing of knowledge and good practices among scholars and practitioners in the wood fuel sector.
Dr Christian Pilegaard Hansen, from the University of Copenhagen, is the Project Organiser.
He said, “there is a risk for plantation if charcoal production is not done properly. It can dispossess people living on the land for livelihoods.”
“Government institutions like the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Energy can formalize the sector to regulate the way charcoal is produced and traded in this country”, he added.
The three-day conference was organized by the University of Copenhagen in partnership with Tropenbos Ghana, KNUST, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, World Agroforestry and other international agencies.
Director of Tropenbos Ghana, Mercy Owusu-Ansah, said, “all stakeholders in the wood fuel production should come together to push the agenda.”
She said her outfit, “is ensuring leaders are sharing ideas and responding to issues on sustainability.”'
FAO Regional Office representative, Nora Berrahmouni reiterated the need for the forest to be restored.
She says, “restoration is not only at planting but also having good support and formalization of the sector. We must ensure people use the sustainable standard in production, and management of the forests as well as supply.”
Latest Stories
-
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
13 mins -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
29 mins -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
55 mins -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
1 hour -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
1 hour -
Effutu MP commissions office for Hepatitis B; absorbs cost of testing, vaccination and management
2 hours -
Bawumia pushes for land digitisation to tackle land guard menace
2 hours -
Faith-based institutions are instrumental in national development – Bawumia
2 hours -
Upholding the Integrity of Presidential Promises: A call to Ghanaian leaders
2 hours -
I don’t start ‘beefs’; I only reply – Strongman refutes claims
2 hours -
Vice President Bawumia promises reforms to turn Ghana’s fortunes around
2 hours -
REGSEC warns encroachers along Tema-Sakumono Ramsar site as it races to prevent flooding
2 hours -
Kumasi International Airport to be commissioned ahead of time – Transport Ministry
3 hours -
Vomit your loot now or hold onto it and face the consequences – Asiedu Nketiah to Akufo-Addo, NPP
3 hours -
Democracy is going to reverse in West Africa if we don’t tackle economic hardships – Atuguba
3 hours