Bio-energy production and consumption options for forest conservation in Uganda

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of selected policy options for increasing fuelwood supplies or decreasing fuelwood demand in Hoima district, Uganda. On the supply side, a benefit-cost analysis is done on a government sponsored tree farming project. In order to reduce the demand for fuelwood, two demand-side options are considered, namely, introduction of an improved energy-efficient woodstove and the substitution of a kerosene stove for a traditional woodstove. A non-linear dynamic programming model was used to explore the system behaviour of forest degradation. Our results show that tree-farming is one of the possible approaches to increase the supply of fuelwood (energy), while the woodstoves and kerosene substitution are policies that reduce the demand for fuelwood. This helps to alleviate the rural energy shortage and take some pressure off existing protected forest areas. This study does not attempt to analyse the wider energy planning program that would be needed to understand accurately the various alternatives available in Uganda.