Charcoal Use in Borno: A Growing Climate Concern

Borno State, located in the Lake Chad region, has long struggled with harsh climatic conditions, including desertification and extreme heat. For more than a decade, insecurity caused by insurgency further exacerbated these environmental challenges, as deforestation and climate action took a backseat to survival and displacement.

However, as peace gradually returns, a new environmental crisis has emerged—the increasing reliance on charcoal as a cooking fuel, which threatens to worsen the state’s climate problems.

The Shift to Charcoal: A Desperate Alternative

With rising fuel costs and economic hardship, many households in both urban and rural areas of Borno have turned to charcoal as a cheaper alternative to diesel and gas for cooking. This shift, however, comes at a significant environmental cost. The widespread felling of trees for charcoal production has led to severe deforestation, particularly in areas like Biu, Kwaya Kusar, and Bayo, where soil erosion is already a major concern.

Experts warn that trees play a crucial role in combating desertification, improving air quality, and providing shade in a region already struggling with excessive heat. Their loss not only accelerates environmental degradation but also contributes to higher temperatures, making life even more unbearable for residents, especially during the fasting months when extreme heat has previously resulted in fatalities.

Rising Temperatures and Fire Outbreaks

Another alarming impact of increased charcoal use is its contribution to the intensification of heat in Borno’s urban areas, particularly in Maiduguri, the state capital. Residents have observed that the air feels heavier and hotter, as charcoal-burning releases pollutants that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about the link between charcoal use and fire outbreaks. In cities like Maiduguri, where many homes and markets are built with highly flammable materials, the risk of fire incidents has increased. Some residents blame charcoal stoves for recent market fires, though official reports on the direct causes remain inconclusive.

A Thriving Business Despite Government Ban

The charcoal business has become a lucrative trade for many youths in Borno, providing much-needed income in an economy struggling to recover from years of conflict. Despite a government ban on the sale of charcoal in 2021, enforcement has been weak. Charcoal vendors continue to operate openly, with many residents citing economic hardship as the reason they cannot afford alternative cooking fuels.

“The price of diesel is too high. We have no choice but to use charcoal,” says Abubakar Umar, a resident of Maiduguri. “It’s cheaper, and we can buy it in small quantities.”

Impact on Agriculture

The environmental impact of widespread tree cutting is not limited to rising temperatures and erosion. It also directly affects agriculture, which is the main livelihood for many rural communities in Borno. Without trees to protect the soil from the harsh sun and wind, the fertility of the land decreases, leading to reduced crop yields. Farmers in areas like Hawul and Shani have already reported declines in harvests, citing soil degradation as a major challenge. If the trend continues, food insecurity, already a problem in conflict-affected areas, could worsen.

A Call for Sustainable Alternatives

While the immediate economic benefits of charcoal are clear, the long-term environmental damage it causes cannot be ignored. Experts urge the government and stakeholders to intensify efforts in promoting affordable and sustainable cooking alternatives.

Solutions such as solar cookers, biogas systems, and improved energy-efficient stoves can provide households with cleaner and more sustainable ways to cook. Solar-powered cooking devices, for example, offer a renewable and almost cost-free energy source after the initial investment. Biogas digesters can convert organic waste into cooking fuel, helping to manage waste and provide energy at the same time.

Subsidizing clean cooking technologies, partnering with NGOs to raise awareness, and providing incentives for households to shift from charcoal to cleaner fuels could make a significant difference. Furthermore, promoting the planting of fast-growing trees that can be sustainably harvested for energy without damaging the environment could offer a balanced solution.

Additionally, reforestation programs and stricter enforcement of anti-deforestation laws are crucial to mitigating the damage already done. Community-driven tree planting initiatives and education campaigns can help restore lost forests and build a sense of ownership among local people.

Conclusion

Charcoal use in Borno may offer short-term relief to struggling households, but it is setting the stage for a deeper environmental and economic crisis. Without urgent interventions to promote cleaner energy options and restore the environment, the state could face worsening desertification, increased food insecurity, and higher disaster risks in the near future. Sustainable action is no longer optional—it is necessary for the survival and prosperity of Borno State.

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