Charcoal movements in Zambian Cities of Lusaka and Kitwe: From Peri-urban Markets to Low and Medium Suburbs

Abstract

Most research has unjustifiably under reported the contribution of low and medium density suburbs to charcoal consumption and demand inside Zambian cities. This is the first systematic study to investigate a full range of charcoal movements inside urban cities in Zambia and sub-Saharan Africa. The study used rapid assessment surveys at two intervals to examine dynamic charcoal movements in two Zambian cities of Lusaka and Kitwe between 2012 and 2019. A total of 941 individual con-sumers of charcoal at active charcoal markets in peri-urban areas were the units of analysis. The units of analysis were selected to clearly demonstrate the movement of charcoal to the consumers’ areas of residence. Semi structured questionnaires guided the data collection, and used a quantitative and qualitative analysis and discussion of data.

This study finds that charcoal is widely distributed to low, medium and peri-urban households for purposes of household use. Furthermore, we found that peri-urban areas were mainly receiver and distributor points for onward charcoal movement into low and medium density suburbs of Zambian cities. The study used a postcolo-nial analytical framework to assert that information should not be distorted nor rooted in any historical imbalance of knowledge and power generation, but within local communities in which charcoal consumption occurred. Overall, this study is an em-pirical analysis that contributes to the existing body of literature in order to inform practice and perhaps change policy frameworks. The study recommends policy changes to focus on sources of efficient, cheaper and environmentally friendly ener-gy alternatives.