Linking Rural Livelihoods and Fuelwood Demand from Mangroves and Upland Forests in the Coastal Region of Guinea

Abstract

Securing access to sustainable energy and ensuring local livelihoods and environmental conservation are three tightly interlinked policy objectives in many rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the unsustainable extraction of fuelwood for household use and rural livelihoods can cause the degradation of important ecosystems. This chapter explores how some of the common livelihood activities in the coastal region of Guinea intersect with mangroves and upland forests. In particular, through household surveys, expert interviews and site observation, we identify the prevailing wood procurement and use practices for local household undertaking salt production, rice cultivation and wood logging. The results highlight the dependence of all groups on traditional biomass extracted from both mangrove and upland forests. Furthermore, all groups rely heavily on traditional and highly inefficient cooking devices, which may have further negative effects on forests and human health. Despite some efforts to ban mangrove logging and promote livelihood options that reduce pressure on these forests, there is still substantial forest degradation in many parts of the coastal region of Guinea. In order to limit forest degradation, it would be necessary to ensure the access of coastal communities to improved fuels, cooking devices, and farming and salt-making techniques.