Charcoal and firewood use in urban areas of developing countries: Drivers, consequences, and the need for clean cooking solutions

Abstract

This study examines the key drivers behind the continued reliance on traditional biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood in urban areas of developing countries, including the city of Lubumbashi. The paper focuses on economic constraints, health problems associated with the use of these fuels, the environmental consequences of growing use and also looks at the alternatives for cooking and their accessibility.

The various reasons behind the growing and constant use of charcoal and firewood are examined in the context of the city of Lubumbashi and other developing countries. However, the continuous supply of charcoal and firewood not only contributes to the degradation of forests and the extinction of species, but also disrupts the livelihoods of forest-dependent families and exacerbates soil erosion. The charcoal production process is intrinsically damaging to both the environment and human well-being. Not only does it emit large quantities of CO₂, contributing to atmospheric pollution, but it also presents health risks for both producers and users. The smoke and soot generated during charcoal production expose people to harmful substances, leading to adverse health effects and even premature death, particularly among children. This review also discusses the impact of this production and use on the education of women and children, who are responsible for cooking and harvesting firewood, resulting in a higher illiteracy rate among women. Faced with the need to take global action to mitigate the impact of climate change, global carbon dioxide emissions must be drastically reduced to meet the Paris Agreement target of zero net emissions by 2050. A practical and sustainable solution is discussed in this review as an alternative to traditional cooking systems namely solar cooking, which offers enormous potential, provided it is accessible, and is an excellent alternative to the heavy reliance on biomass for household energy needs in developing countries.