The charcoal footprint of greater Accra on the Afram Plains: Urban energy consumption and forest degradation in Ghana

dc.contributor.authorArko, T.
dc.contributor.authorMensah, A.
dc.contributor.authorObani, P.
dc.contributor.authorAdomako, J.
dc.contributor.authorDenton, F.
dc.date.accessioned2024-12-03T11:40:23Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.descriptionResearch Article
dc.description.abstractRapid urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa is leading to increased energy consumption and a growing reliance on charcoal as a fuel source, with significant environmental implications. This study examines the impact of charcoal consumption in Greater Accra, Ghana, on the Afram Plains ecosystem. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including geographical analysis, quantitative data collection, and sustainability assessment, we evaluate the charcoal footprint of Greater Accra. Our findings reveal that charcoal remains the dominant cooking fuel in Greater Accra despite increased access to electricity, resulting in an estimated loss of 354,479 trees annually in the Afram Plains. This demand creates an ecological deficit of 18,850 hectares/yr, significantly exceeding the ecosystem’s regenerative capacity. We observe complex dynamics between urban energy needs and rural resource sustainability, highlighting socio-economic factors driving persistent charcoal use. The study proposes a conceptual framework integrating urban demand, rural supply, ecological impact, and natural regeneration. Our research contributes to urban sustainability literature, offering insights for policymakers to develop more sustainable energy strategies, including quota systems for harvesting, promoting alternative cooking fuels, community-based forest management, and improved charcoal production technologies. This case study provides valuable lessons for other rapidly urbanizing regions facing similar sustainability challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.
dc.identifier.otherhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100678
dc.identifier.urihttps://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/handle/123456789/42657
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherTrees, Forests and People
dc.subjectCharcoal consumption
dc.subjectUrban energy demand
dc.subjectDeforestation
dc.titleThe charcoal footprint of greater Accra on the Afram Plains: Urban energy consumption and forest degradation in Ghana
dc.typeArticle

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