Shifting towards a well-regulated, sustainable supply of wood-based fuels usually requires a marked change in perception, behavior and commitment by various stakeholders. The paper outlines stakeholders’ potential roles, functions and responsibilities in reform and gives recommendations for the promotion and sustenance of a vibrant biomass energy sector.

In most Africa countries, cooking is a dirty and time-consuming job that involves feeding some pieces of fuel such as wood, charcoal, or coal for a fire. Globally, some 500 million households with more than 70% in Africa depend on burning solid fuel to meet their cooking, heating, lighting, and other household energy needs. The wanton exploitation of wood fuel is having so many negative impacts on many households in Cameroon. Some of the impacts include the depletion of the forest leading to environmental degradation, health impacts, etc.

This dryer is a mud brick construction built close to the ground using low-cost materials for all its parts. Practical Action Nepal has promoted this type of dryer in remote parts of the country. The solar dryer was a popular introduction because of its effectiveness, economic viability, simplicity and hygienic practice.

As an outgrow of 20 years of field experience in Africa in supporting household energy programs, Steve Sepp presents a guidebook for fostering sustainable wood energy that is easily accessible though rich in empirical facts and figures. The succinct analysis summarizes core advantages of wood-based fuels, followed by challenges and success stories in favor of conducive wood energy policies. The 40-page-publication was commissioned by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH's program HERA (‘Poverty-Oriented Basic Energy Services').