The Sierra Leone Ministry of Energy, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has started a project to cut charcoal use in the country due to the dangers it causes to the environment and human health.
In many places in Sierra Leone, charcoal is the main source of energy for households. Even in urban areas with access to electricity, many women prefer to cook using charcoal.
The ministry's new project aims to reduce charcoal use by 70 percent, producing 15,000 energy-efficient household cooking stoves across the country. The project, which costs $1.8 million, is titled “Sustainable Energy Production and Utilization of Charcoal Through Innovative Technologies and Private Sector Involvement” and was officially launched in February.
“I believe very strongly that by promoting cleaner and more sustainable energy, the government of Sierra Leone can combine and address a range of issues, such as global security, climate change, local pollution, and very importantly, job creation,” UNDP Country Director Sudipto Mukerjee said.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy Zainab Buya Kamara noted that sustainable production and use of charcoal through proper management and infrastructure could have a great impact on the country by conserving resources and reducing migration from rural areas.
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