Application of biomass-energy technologies: II. Improved charcoal production: D. Constraints

Application of biomass-energy technologies

II. Improved charcoal production

		A. Introduction
		B. The Malawi Charcoal Project
		C. Charcoal markets
		D. Constraints
		E. Policy environment and role of the Government
		F. Role of entrepreneurs and informal-sector artisans
		G. Local research initiatives and indigenous technical skills
		H. Role of non-governmental organizations
		I. Role of end-users
		J. External financial support and local credit and banking institutions

D. Constraints

The key constraints that the Malawi Charcoal Project faced were: (a) the failure to establish an independent charcoal marketing system that worked in parallel with the traditional channels for distribution of hardwood charcoal; and (b) an under-estimation of the difficulties inherent in engineering fuel-switching particularly in the household sector.

To overcome these constraints, the Project developed innovative strategies and mechanisms which could assist future attempts to undertake large-scale charcoal production activities in the region. These innovative strategies are discussed in the following section.