Wood fuel provides 61% energy to Zimbabwe’s industry

WOOD fuel provides 61% of the total energy supply required by Zimbabwe while electricity accounts for only 13%, a Cabinet minister has revealed.

Environment, Water and Climate minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, says it is estimated that more than six million tonnes of firewood are consumed every year against a sustainable output of natural forest of about 4,6 million tonnes.

“The apparent deficit causes Zimbabwe to lose forests areas of an estimated 330 000 hectares per annum to land clearing for agricultural expansion, settlement expansion, firewood collection, infrastructure development and tobacco curing,” said Kasukuwere.

This story is for NewsDay subscribers.