The Impact of Gendered Roles in the Briquette Production and Supply Chain: Lessons Learned from Green Heat Ltd, Uganda

Abstract

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, 94% of Ugandans burn biomass to meet their basic energy needs, consuming roughly 20 million tons of wood each year (NEMA 2010; RoU MEMD 2014a). With only 10% of the rural population having access to electricity, an annual population growth of 3.2% (2017 est.) and annual growth in energy demand of 7.5%, pressure on biomass resources in Uganda and the associated negative health impacts on the population are expected to dramatically increase (CIA 2018; NEMA 2010). Such biomass consumption involves firewood and charcoal, referred to as woodfuel, and crop residues. This biomass provides all the basic needs for cooking and heating in rural areas and for most urban households. It is also the main source of energy for rural small- and medium-sized enterprises and contributes significantly to the rural economy. Biomass is traditionally sourced from natural forests and unsustainable harvesting has led to the destruction of large swathes of forest cover across the country. Most woodfuel-harvesting technologies are wasteful and their use does not meet demand. For example, only about 10% of all households use efficient stoves (RoU MEMD 2014b) which contributes to excessive fuel consumption and land degradation