Stimulating Smallholder Woodfuel Production: Lessons from Haiti’s Thriving Charcoal Market
Summary — This case study explores Haiti's thriving charcoal market and how smallholder farmers contribute to woodfuel production. It examines the factors that have enabled Haiti to develop a sustainable woodfuel sector despite limited government regulation and technical assistance, highlighting the role of scarcity and market incentives.
Key Findings
- Haiti has developed a thriving woodfuel sector based on smallholder cultivation despite the absence of enabling conditions.
- Scarcity of alternative energy sources and livelihood options drives smallholders to produce woodfuel.
- The charcoal value chain is inclusive and provides income for a large number of smallholders and entrepreneurs.
- Smallholder farmers have integrated tree cultivation into their agricultural systems as a fundamental livelihood strategy.
- Government regulation and formal land title are not necessarily critical for the development of a sustainable woodfuel market.
Full Description
This case study examines Haiti's successful smallholder woodfuel production, particularly charcoal, despite the absence of typical enabling conditions like government regulation and formal land titling. It explores how scarcity of alternative energy sources and livelihood options, combined with a strong charcoal market, have incentivized smallholder farmers to integrate tree cultivation into their farming systems. The study provides recommendations for donor investments supporting sustainable tree cropping and reduced harvesting of natural forests, emphasizing inclusive markets, customary land tenure, and matching design with smallholder resources.