The woodfuel and forestry situation in Togo as experienced in the "Region des Savanes"

Abstract

The "Region des Savanes" in northern Togo is experiencing a rising woodfuel problem. Population increase and lack of an official forestry policy result in decreasing natural woodfuel reserves. Projects trying to promote tree planting have difficulties in convincing local communities of its necessity. Extension services can therefore try to promote "dual" product. Through a proper species choice people will be presented trees that have a good calorie value, equal or superior to the traditionally known species. Reforestation projects must also take into account the location of the trees that will be planted, otherwise there might arise conflicts with traditional land tenure systems. The right to cut the trees by the people that planted them can be sanctioned by an official convention passed between a government's representative, the project and the person (s) who plant (s) trees. A very important point will be to in volve women actively in tree planting schemes, as they are the ones that have to fetch and use the fuelwood.