He is co-author with Davison Gumbo of “The Dry Forest and Woodlands of Africa,” a “book (that) provides a current baseline of knowledge on the current resources of the Dry forests and woodlands, their use and value, and possible means to manage them towards sustainable development into the future.” (Professor Coert J Geldenhuys, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa)

We are also fortunate that both Chidumayo and Gumbo are passionate about charcoal! (We will be featuring Dr. Gumbo’s presentation in our next review.)

When we learned Dr. Chidumayo would be honored at the international ATBC-SCB conference in Arusha, Tanzania, in June (where we organized a symposium and workshop on charcoal) we pounced on him!

Dr. Emmanuel Chidumayo is considered the dean of African tropical ecologist. He presented at TCP's charcoal symposium. Dr. Chidumayo was gracious enough to present at our symposium and participate in our workshop. (I was also lucky enough to be seated next to him at dinner where he regaled me with the stories about how he began his career as an ecologist, his time in government, and his passion for conservation.)

Dr. Chidumayo’s presentation, “Environmental Impacts of Charcoal Production in Tropical Ecosystems of the World,” is a treasure trove of information. In addition to the scholarly research, my favorite part is the takeaway message, which I’ve transcribed below:

The charcoal industry has great potential to contribute to rural development because production utilizes locally available and potentially renewable resources.

The charcoal industry can generate employment and local income in both rural and urban areas.

Additionally, Dr. Chidumayo points to the following necessary changes in policies:

1. Recognition of charcoal as a key source of energy.

2. Establishment of specific institutions to implement wood energy policies.

3. The effective regulation of charcoal production from both plantations and natural forests.

4. Strong public and private sector participation.

5. Establishment of clear marketing arrangements and rules.

6. Mechanisms for government to raise royalties and taxes, which are reinvested in forest management.

7. Establish secure land tenure and encourage sustainable forest management.

What I find find especially compelling about Dr. Chidumayo’s conclusions is that:

A. They come from someone who has spent a lifetime working on ecology and conservation issues in Africa.

B. They suggest a complete re-think of government and conservation attitudes towards charcoal.

C. They speak to the potential role that charcoal can play in supporting conservation.

Needless to say, Dr. Chidumayo’s conclusions have played an important role in shaping our views. They also serve as a guiding light for The Charcoal Project and its partners as we move forward in addressing the need for policy reforms that will promote the development of sustainable charcoal in sub-Saharan Africa and around the world.

Dr. Chidumayo, thank you for contributing your expertise and participating in our workshop!

– Kim Chaix, The Charcoal Project