growing demand for charcoal in Juba is contributing to deforestation
The growing demand for charcoal in Juba is contributing to deforestation in parts of Central Equatoria State, prompting government officials to call for stronger measures to regulate tree cutting and protect forest resources.Speaking to Juba Echo TV, Gideon Samuel Jubora, First Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the increasing demand for charcoal among households was driving widespread tree cutting.He said many residents rely on charcoal for cooking because of limited access to affordable alternative energy sources, placing growing pressure on forests around the capital.Jubora urged individuals and businesses involved in tree harvesting to obtain authorization from the relevant authorities before cutting down trees, stressing the need for compliance with forestry regulations.He warned that uncontrolled deforestation could lead to the loss of forest cover, soil degradation and biodiversity loss, while weakening the environment’s ability to withstand the effects of climate change.Deforestation can also affect local ecosystems and rainfall patterns, threatening communities that depend on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods.Charcoal remains a major source of household cooking fuel in Juba, but the increasing demand has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of forests in Central Equatoria State.Addressing the problem will require stronger enforcement of forestry laws, public awareness campaigns and the promotion of affordable, sustainable alternatives to charcoal, including cleaner cooking technologies.Tree planting, reforestation and community-based forest management could also help restore degraded areas and encourage the responsible use of natural resources.Jubora’s concerns highlight the growing pressure on forest resources in Central Equatoria, where trees play an important role in environmental protection, agricultural production and the livelihoods of rural communities.Authorities are being urged to strengthen monitoring of charcoal production and transportation while encouraging households to adopt alternative cooking methods that reduce dependence on forest resources.The state government has not provided figures on the extent of forest loss or the number of trees cut down to meet Juba’s charcoal demand.
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