Conserving biomass energy in sub-Saharan Africa : an assessment of experience

This study, based on literature reviews and visits to projects in Kenya and Niger, synthesizes the lessons learned from biomass conservation interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. These interventions have been based largely on a perceived link between fuelwood consumption and deforestation, and have focused on efforts to develop and distribute improved woodstoves, the major technology examined in the study; particular emphasis is given to the technical problems involved in improving the performance of biomass combustion technologies. Experts differ sharply on the extent to which woodstove programs have reduced the fuelwood problem, in part because many now attribute deforestation to agricultural land clearing rather than to fuelwood consumption per se. Stove designers have responded by identifying a broad range of economic and health benefits, not related to energy conservation, stemming from improved woodstoves. Future needs include better dissemination of lessons learned and more focused analysis of local patterns of biomass energy supply, marketing, and production. Includes a bibliography and an annex describing site visits.