Stimulating Smallholder Woodfuel Production: Lessons from Haiti’s Thriving Charcoal Market

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.