Charcoal Production Banned to Combat Climate Crisis

The government has issued a ban on charcoal production permits in three districts in an effort to combat the climate crisis, says Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu. The directive aims to correct the impact of deforestation on the climate.

The three districts—Itezhi-tezhi, Mumbwa, and Shibuyunji—are hotbeds for illegal deforestation. With record-high temperatures of over 40°C in the early months of this year, deforestation has intensified the devastating drought that President Hichilema declared a national disaster.

Reliance on charcoal as a cooking fuel has increased since the drought, leaving hydroelectric power generators ineffective.

In a press statement signed by Minister Nzovu, “persons currently in possession of valid Cord Wood Permits have only up to 1st May in within which to finalise their charcoal production.”

The statement added that anybody found manufacturing wood into charcoal or removing charcoal in any form from state or customary land is liable to a fine and/or imprisonment.