INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION ITTO PROJECT PROPOSAL

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION ITTO PROJECT PROPOSAL TITLE SERIAL NUMBER COMMITTEE SUBMITTED BY ORIGINAL LANGUAGE RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EFFICIENT CHARCOAL AND BRIQUETTE PRODUCTION FROM LOGGING AND CORN BIOMASS RESIDUES IN THE AFRAM PLAINS DISTRICT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA PD 612/11 Rev.2 (I) FOREST INDUSTRY GOVERNMENT OF GHANA ENGLISH SUMMARY Woodfuels (firewood and charcoal), used mainly for cooking and heating are the traditional source of energy for 80 percent of the urban population and more than 96 percent of the rural population in Ghana. Charcoal production in Ghana is characterised by the use of obsolete, wasteful and inefficient technologies; almost all the charcoal kilns in Ghana are the traditional earth mound type, which is least efficient (about 14%) in terms of charcoal yield. This inefficiency has serious environmental implications since a lot of wood resources would have to be extracted from the forest thereby contributing to deforestation. The specific objective of this project is to train local charcoal producers to adopt the use of improved charcoal and briquette production techniques using logging and agricultural residues towards sustainable forest management. The proposed project will promote the adoption of an improved wood carbonisation production technology which is an advanced form of fuelwood thermo-chemical conversion system using logging and agriculture (corn) residues as well as promote the conversion of the pulverised charcoal into briquette. EXECUTING AGENCY COOPERATING GOVERNMENTS DURATION APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE BUDGET AND PROPOSED SOURCES OF FINANCE KOFORIDUA POLYTECHNIC in collaboration with FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF GHANA (FORIG) MONTHS TO BE DETERMINED Source Contribution in US$ ITTO 550,692 Government of Ghana 204,000 TOTAL 754,692

2 Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS...1 PROJECT BRIEF...2 MAP OF PROJECT AREA...4 PART 1. PROJECT CONTEXT ORIGIN RELEVANCE Conformity with ITTO s objectives and priorities Relevance to the submitting country s policies TARGET AREA Geographic location Social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects EXPECTED OUTCOMES AT PROJECT COMPLETION... 9 PART 2. PROJECT RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES RATIONALE Institutional set-up and organizational issues Stakeholder analysis Problem Tree Analysis Logical framework matrix OBJECTIVES Development objective and impact indicators Specific objective and outcome indicators PART 3. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT INTERVENTIONS OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES Outputs Activities IMPLEMENTATION APPROACHES AND METHODS OUTPUTS/ACTIVITIES Budget Master Budget Consolidated budget by component ITTO budget by component Executing agency budget by component ASSUMPTIONS, RISKS, SUSTAINABILITY Assumptions and risks Sustainability PART 4. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT MECHANISMS Executing agency and partners Project management team Project steering committee Stakeholder involvement mechanisms REPORTING, REVIEW, MONITORING AND EVALUATION DISSEMINATION AND MAINSTREAMING OF PROJECT LEARNING Dissemination of project results Mainstreaming project learning ANNEX 1. PROFILES OF THE EXECUTING AND COLLABORATING AGENCIES...34 ANNEX 2. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF KEY EXPERTS PROVIDED BY THE EXECUTING AGENCY...37 ANNEX 3. TERMS OF REFERENCE OF PERSONEL AND CONSULTANTS AND SUB CONTRACT FUNDED BY ITTO...42 ANNEX 4. COLLABORATION LETTER FROM THE FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF GHANA (FORIG)...43 ANNEX 5. RESPONSE TO OVERALL ASSESSMENT AND SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION FROM THE 43RD ITTO EXPERT PANEL

3 PROJECT BRIEF The bulk of energy supply in Ghana is met from woodfuels, i.e. firewood and charcoal. Woodfuels account for about 70 percent of total primary energy supply. The bulk of woodfuels amounting to 90 percent is obtained directly from the natural forest. The remaining 10 percent is from wood waste i.e. logging and sawmill residue, and planted forests. However, woodfuel resources are depleting at a faster rate as a result of unsustainable practices in the production and marketing of the product that incurs high levels of waste. The forest cover of Ghana which contains over 300 species capable of growing to timber size has reduced from 8.2 million hectares in 1984 to the current cover area of 1.3 million hectares. The rate of deforestation in Ghana is estimated at 65,000 hectares per annum and therefore Ghana is likely to lose its forest cover in less than 25 years if this rate of deforestation persists. In order to ensure that timber harvesting in Ghana s natural forest can be sustained into the future, an annual allowable cut (AAC) has been set at 1 million m 3 of round logs. Besides, other measures like ban on chainsaw operations have been put into place to ensure the sustainability of Ghana s forest. However, the demand for wood is so alarming that the AAC of 1 million m 3 is insufficient to meet the nations demand for wood. In Ghana, it is estimated that for every tree felled nearly 50% of the tree volume is left in the forest in the form of branches, crownwood, and stumps. In 2000, the annual production or yield of wood was about 30 million tonnes of which about 18 million tonnes was available and accessible for woodfuels. Although the exploitation of wood resources for woodfuels is not the main cause of deforestation, there are indications that the preferred woodfuel species are gradually disappearing. In Ghana, the major charcoal producing areas of Donkorkrom (Afram Plains District), Kintampo, Nkoranza, Wenchi, Damongo show physical signs of depleted woodfuel resources. As a result, producers have to travel longer distances in search of wood for charcoal production. Also, the extensive use of less preferred wood species for fuel such as nim and wawa are becoming popular. Since majority of households, about 80% in Ghana depend on woodfuels for cooking and water heating in addition to commercial, industrial and institutional use, the demand for woodfuel has for the past years been on the increase. As indicated above about 18 million tonnes of fuelwood was used in year If this trend of consumption continues, Ghana is likely to consume more than 25 million tonnes of fuel wood by the year 2020.The energy sector is therefore determined to reduce losses in the conversion of wood to charcoal and also losses in end-use to give way to reduced cost in charcoal production and savings in end-use. Charcoal production in Ghana is characterised by the use of obsolete, wasteful and inefficient technologies; almost all the charcoal kilns in Ghana are the traditional earth mound type, which is least efficient (about 14%) in terms of charcoal yield. This inefficiency has serious environmental implications since more wood resources would have to be extracted from the forest thereby contributing to deforestation. Currently, the efficiency of the traditional kiln which is widely used for charcoal production is about 14%, whereas improved kilns can achieve as much as 30%. Due to inefficiencies in the production of charcoal, a large portion of the charcoal get pulverised in the process and are left unused. In addition to the above, corn-cobs, an agricultural residue, which is in abundance in Ghana are often gathered and burnt after harvesting the corn. These corn-cobs and charcoal residues can be further processed into briquettes using local materials. The development objective of this proposal is to contribute towards rural community capacity building through education and the transfer of improved and efficient charcoal and briquette production technology. The achievement of the development objective will be measured by two indicators (i) the availability of improved charcoal production technology and (ii) increased in income levels of charcoal producers by 80%, a year after the completion of the project. The specific objective of this proposal is to train local charcoal producers to adopt the use of improved charcoal and briquette production techniques from logging and agricultural residues towards sustainable forest management. The outcome indicators would be that about 90% of community charcoal producers will use logging and 2

4 agricultural residues for charcoal and briquette production; and also have the capacity to operate and maintain constructed kilns and briquette plants effectively. The project will be implemented in four communities in the Afram Plains District, the major charcoal producing area in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The predominant economic activity in these towns is agriculture, with 70% and 75% of the population respectively engaged in farming. The towns are connected to the national electricity grid and have well distributed road networks. The selection of Afram Plains was also based on its proximity to the polytechnic compared with other major charcoal producing areas in Ghana, with the aim to promote efficient technologies for charcoal production to minimize impact on forest degradation. The transfer of improved technology for charcoal production will help to reduce waste of wood resources, and raise incomes of beneficiary charcoal producers. Local charcoal producers (usually women) will have the chance to be more productive through paid work that would raise their family s income and improve their standard of living. The project will reduce woodfuel exploitation and help abate climate change. The project will thus, not only be a platform for demonstration but will also contribute to the achievement of the MDGs 1 and 7: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The project results would be sustained by the following means. Technically, since the project involves the construction of improved kiln, its operation and maintenance, the project will equip local producers on operation and daily maintenance of the constructed kilns. Again, since the project does not require additional resources to operate, it sustainability is assured. There will also be a quarterly maintenance review by the polytechnic. Institutionally the executing agency, Koforidua Polytechnic, has a department of Energy Systems running courses in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion. As part of the project activities, the departmental capacity will be developed to continue the project. Politically, considering the government key energy policy objective of efficient conversion and utilisation of woodfuel is to introduce new and innovative ways of producing woodfuel more efficiently and cost effective, the support and commitment of government to the objectives of the project is assured for the sustenance of the project. The proposed project is likely to face the risk of a possible lack of Interest by traditional charcoal Producers: There is a possible lack of interest by the traditional charcoal producers who have no knowledge of the benefits of the technology, and are not well educated and skilled to operate and maintain such a relatively composite technology. To mitigate this risk, the charcoal producers will be trained to acquire basic skills in material handling and the operation of the pyrolysis plants. Comprehensive sensitisation and education campaign will be organised to demonstrate the benefits of the technology to the producers. Again, there is lack of skilled personnel and technicians well trained for the process and instrumentation control, plant installation and maintenance. As a mitigation measure, workshops will be organized to provide training for more than 8 facilitators including lecturers, technicians and Energy Systems Engineering students to assist in the implementation process. The Department runs a course in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion and lecturers will be assisting in this direction. In addition to the above risk, a typical plant with a capacity of 3 metric tons is expected to yield charcoal with expected annual revenue of about US$ 270,000. The exportation of charcoal is a lucrative and worthwhile venture in Ghana; charcoal exports to Europe and Asia are valued at US$400,000 annually. Technology transfer of improved charcoal production to traditional charcoal producers will lead to the promotion of public/private partnership investment towards the development of a sustainable market for charcoal and bio-oil production in Ghana. These intend will promote social equity and improvement in the living conditions of rural and poor urban/peri-urban communities. The project requires a total of US$ 754,692 with US$ 550,692 being requested from ITTO. The executing agency will be contributing US$ 204,000. Of the ITTO budget 45.91% is allocated to personnel and 20.16% is allocated to capital items. 3

5 LIST of ABBREVIATIONS and ACRONYMS FAO MoEN MDGs GPRS ITTA ITTO EA UN - Food and Agriculture Organisation - Ministry of Energy - Millennium Development Goals - Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy - International Tropical Timber Agreement - International Tropical Timber Organization - Executing Agency - United Nations MAP OF PROJECT AREA Map of Afram Plains District Selected communities indicated as blue 4

6 PART 1. PROJECT CONTEXT 1.1 Origin The bulk of energy supply in Ghana is met from woodfuels, i.e. firewood and charcoal. Woodfuels account for about 70 percent of total primary energy. The bulk of woodfuels amounting to 90 percent is obtained directly from the natural forest. The remaining 10 percent is from wood waste i.e. logging and sawmill residue, and planted forests. However, woodfuel resources are depleting at a faster rate as a result of unsustainable practices in the production and marketing of the product that incurs high levels of waste. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the rate of deforestation in Ghana is 3% per year. In 2000, the annual production or yield of wood was about 30 million tonnes of which about 18 million tonnes was available and accessible for woodfuels. Although the exploitation of wood resources for woodfuels is not the main cause of deforestation, there are indications that the preferred woodfuel species are gradually disappearing. The major charcoal production areas of Donkorkrom, Kintampo, Nkoranza, Wenchi, Damongo show physical signs of depleted woodfuel resources. As a result, producers have to travel longer distances in search of wood for charcoal production. Also, the extensive use of less preferred wood species for fuel such as nim and wawa are becoming popular. Since majority of households, about 80% in Ghana depend on woodfuels for cooking and water heating in addition to commercial, industrial and institutional use, the demand for woodfuel has for the past years been on the increase. As indicated above about 18 million tonnes of fuelwood was used in year If this trend of consumption continues, Ghana is likely to consume more than 25 million tonnes of fuel wood by the year The energy sector is determined to reduce losses in the conversion of wood to charcoal and also losses in end-use to give way to reduced cost in charcoal production and savings in end-use. Currently, the efficiency of the traditional kiln which is widely used for charcoal production is about 14%, whereas improved kilns can achieve as much as 30%. Similarly, end-use devices have efficiencies as low as 18 percent, whereas improved end-use devices can achieve efficiencies as high as 35 percent. If interventions to promote efficient kilns and end-use devices are introduced, consumption of woodfuels can be controlled and reduced from 25 million tonnes and more by 2020 to 16 million tonnes. This proposal if implemented will increase charcoal yield from the same quantity of woodfuel which hitherto was used to produce charcoal of low yield using the traditional method of charcoal production. Besides, briquette can be produced from pulverised charcoal which is a residue from charcoal production. Indeed, the income levels of the charcoal producers will increase whilst the rate of deforestation in Ghana which is estimated at hectares per annum will be controlled. One major importance of this proposal is that, corn cobs, an agricultural residue and which hitherto was burnt after harvesting the corn can be used as substitute for woodfuel to produce briquette thus also controlling the degradation of the forest by charcoal producers. 1.2 Relevance Conformity with ITTO s objectives and priorities The project is in conformity with the ITTA 2006 Objectives clauses c, f, q and r. It is also in agreement with the ITTO Action Plan, Under the forest industry committee the project falls under various sections of expected outcomes 1, 2 and 4. Conformity with ITTO Objectives ITTO Objective (c) Contributing to sustainable development and to poverty alleviation (f) Promoting and supporting research and Relation with the project This project seeks to promote the development and transfer of improved technology for charcoal production and the use of logging residues and corn cobs, for the production of briquette. This project will help promote the use of improved 5

7 development with a view to improving forest management and efficiency of wood utilization and the competitiveness of wood products relative to other materials, as well as increasing the capacity to conserve and enhance other forest values in timber producing tropical forests (q) Promoting better understanding of the contribution of non -timber forest products and environmental services to the sustainable management of tropical forests with the aim of enhancing the capacity of members to develop strategies to strengthen such contributions in the context of sustainable forest management, and cooperating with relevant institutions and processes to this end; (r) Encouraging members to recognize the role of forest -dependent indigenous and local communities in achieving sustainable forest management and develop strategies to enhance the capacity of these communities to sustainably manage tropical timber producing forests; technologies for efficient charcoal and briquette production and utilization within the communities to conserve forest resources. Also it will support the forestry sector to ensure sustainable management of Ghana s natural forests and woodlands The project is aimed at strengthening local communities capacity in using corn cobs, a nontimber forest product to produce briquette for domestic and commercial use. This will ensure a community participation in a sustainable forest management. The selected communities for the project depend solely on the forest for charcoal production. The education and adoption of the use of timber and agricultural residues for charcoal and briquette production will not only bring to bear their role in the sustainable process but will also lead to an enhanced community capacity to sustainably manage tropical timber producing forest. Conformity with ITTO Action Plan (Forest Industry Committee) Outcome Expected outcome 1: Increased production and further processing of tropical timber and other forest products from sustainably managed and legally harvested sources. Expected outcome 2: Increased efficiency in harvesting, processing and utilization of tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested sources Possible Action by Members d2: Organize workshops/seminars on the use of new and/or improved techniques and technology, including increased further processing f: Develop and implement comprehensive longterm strategies to support community-based forest enterprises a1: Encourage and support improved utilization efficiency, the increased use of wood residues, and recycling c1 Encourage and promote research and knowledge transfer on improved Relation with the project The project involves a training session on operation and maintenance of an improved charcoal and briquette producing plants. This project will ensure the adoption non-timber forest material for briquette production by communities which will reduce community dependence on timber forest The project will lead to an increase in charcoal yield for the same volume of wood through the use of an improved technology using wood and agricultural residues The project is based on a knowledge transfer approach which will lead to an improved 6

8 Expected outcome 4: Increased supplies of tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested sources utilization efficiency c2 Undertake studies on the contribution of efficient forest industries to social and economic development a1 Improve forest law enforcement and governance and address illegal activities in the forest sector wood utilization The project includes a study of the community acceptability and also assessment of the socioeconomic impact of the improved technology The use of non-timber forest for fuel purposes could be enforced after communities have been equipped to adopt their use Relevance to the submitting country s policies The goal of Government regarding bioenergy as enunciated in the energy sector policy is to modernise and maximise the benefits of bioenergy on a sustainable basis. Biomass has dominant source of energy supply of Ghana. Used mainly for cooking and employing traditional inefficient technologies, biomass energy consumption in the form of woodfuel is twice as large as other energy sources, including electricity and petroleum. Over reliance on woodfuel is accelerating the rate of depletion of Ghana s forests. The Energy Commission has developed a bioenergy policy document covering all bioenergy components. The key policy objective covering efficient conversion and utilisation of woodfuel is to introduce new and innovative ways of producing woodfuel more efficiently and cost effective. In order to achieve the above policy objective, the policy document recommends among others the following Policy Considerations: Strengthen through technical assistance existing institutions for testing and certification of improved production and end use technologies for woodfuel. Support for the forestry sector to ensure sustainable management of the country s natural forests and woodlands. Regulate charcoal exports to ensure that only charcoal from wood waste and planted forest are exported. Establish the needed institutional framework to enhance and co-ordinate woodfuel related activities as an integral part of national energy development. Promote improved technologies and higher levels of efficiency in the production of charcoal and use of woodfuels. Support the development, promotion and introduction of alternative fuels for the substitution of woodfuels. 1.3 Target Area Geographic location BACKGROUND INFORMATION - Kwahu North (Afram Plains) District was created in 1988 out of the Kwahu District Council as part of Government local reform policy. The district is located in the northern- most part of the Eastern Region, covering an area of about 5,040 square kilometres. This makes it the largest district in the Eastern Region in terms of land mass. The district capital is Donkorkrom with 558 communities. The district shares boundaries in the south with Kwahu South, Fanteakwa, Manya Krobo and Asuogyaman districts, in the east with the Volta region (Kpando and Jasikan district), in the west with Ashanti region (specially Ashanti Akyem north and Sekyere East district) and in the northern part by Brong Ahafo region (Sene district). The district may be described as more of 7

9 an island than peninsular as it can only be reached by ferries in the south-west and northeast. VEGETATION:-The Kwahu North (Afram Plains) consists generally of low lying lands with the Donkorkrom plateau providing the only high ground. The district is by the Afram River in the west, Volta River in the east and the Obosom River in the north, all of which can be tapped for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes. The terrain comprises savannah vegetation, characterised by short deciduous fire resistant trees, often widely spaced and a ground flora composed of different species of grass with a various heights Social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects SOCIO- ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES:-The major economic activity of the people in the district is agriculture with about 75.5% of the population engaging in food crop farming and livestock rearing whilst about 20% are engaged in fishing, especially along the lake. The remaining 4.5% or less, of the population are traders and public servants (School Mapping Report of Afram Plains. (MOEYS/GES/IEPA/UNICEF). Agricultural productivity levels are very low due to poor farming techniques and the menace of bushfires. Currently, the potential of the district is unrealized due to poor infrastructure, poor transportation and low patronage of opportunities for formal education to develop production and trade. The Afram Plains District is currently the largest charcoal production area in the Eastern Region of Ghana, producing about 3,000,000 bags of charcoal annually representing 80-90% of total charcoal production in the Eastern Region. More than 60% of the produced charcoal is consumed outside the region with 42% sold in the Greater Accra Region, the seat of government. Charcoal production in the Afram Plains area is largely by unregistered groups and some individuals usually women who buy wood from chainsaw operators. In the production process, the woods are arranged on the ground, lighted and covered with sand and allowed to burn until smoke ceases indicating that the charcoal is ready for packaging and transport. The existing technology for charcoal production shown below has a charcoal yield as low as 14%. Wood preparation Charcoal production Charcoal transportation ECONOMIC INDICATIONS: A typical plant with a capacity of 3 metric tons is expected to yield charcoal with expected annual revenue of about US$ 270,000. The exportation of charcoal is a lucrative and worthwhile venture in Ghana; charcoal exports to Europe and Asia are valued at US$400,000 annually. Technology transfer of improved charcoal production to traditional charcoal producers will lead to the promotion of public/private partnership investment towards the development of a sustainable market for charcoal production in Ghana. These intend will promote social equity and improvement in the living conditions of rural and poor urban/peri-urban communities. TRADITIONAL STRUCTURE:-Kwahu North district has one Paramount chief who is also the chief of Donkorkrom. There are other Sub- chiefs scattered all over the district mainly based on the particular tribe found in that area. Among them are the Dagomba chiefs, the Kwahu chiefs and the Ewe chiefs. 8

10 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS:- The traditional method of charcoal production by burying woodfuel in the sand is characterised by the emission of smoke which is uncontrolled thereby causing environmental pollution and health hazards to the farmers. Indiscriminate felling of woodfuel for charcoal production has led to soil erosion, high sedimentation of river bodies and poor rainfall patterns in the Afram Plains District of Ghana. Corn cobs are usually burnt by the farmers in the Afram Plains also causing environmental pollution and bushfires. This project will minimise environmental effects of charcoal production on the health and livelihood of the communities within the Afram Plains District of Ghana. 1.4 Expected outcomes at project completion The transfer of improved technology for charcoal production will help to reduce waste of wood resources, and raise income of beneficiary charcoal producers. Local charcoal producers (usually women) will have the chance to be more productive through paid work that would raise their family s income and improve their standard of living. The project will reduce woodfuel exploitation and help abate climate change. The project will thus, not only be a platform for demonstration but will also contribute to the achievement of the MDGs 1 and 7: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, and ensuring environmental sustainability. 9

11 PART 2. PROJECT RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES 2.1 Rationale Institutional set-up and organizational issues In Ghana, the Ministry of Energy (MoEN), the Energy Commission and the Forestry Commission are responsible for the compilation and storage of data on woodfuel consumption. MoEN had complied woodfuel consumption data from 1974 to 1997, but these data are based primarily on projections. Although the Forestry Commission has carried out some surveys on woodfuel consumption, it has no data. The Energy Commission now has the responsibility of data compilation and storage. The Energy Commission has in place an Energy Resource Planning and Policy Division with three analysts whose duties include the compilation, storage, analysis and interpretation of woodfuel data. There is also the Energy Fund, which is being managed by the commission for activities that include data collection and database management on all forms of energy, including woodfuels. The energy sector benefited from a DANIDA-funded project on traditional and renewable energy, as part of project activities: that is supposed to collect data on woodfuel supply and consumption in the northern parts of the country. The commission carried out surveys in 2001 that targeted the collection of data on woodfuel consumption in households and commercial sectors. In this process, enumerators were used and visited households and commercial business centres to assess the quantities of woodfuel consumption. Woodfuel consumption surveys are carried out once every two years. The Ministry of Energy and the Energy Commission in Ghana are the two key institutions in the development of Energy, that is, Technology, Production and Utilization as well as the transfer of appropriate Technology. The ministry of energy has the responsibility for formulating and executing energy sector policy in Ghana and also supervising the operations and activities of the energy sector institutions. This energy development is done in partnership with other energy related organizations such as the Energy Foundation whose mandate is to promote sustainable development and efficient consumption of energy in all of its forms in Ghana. The Forestry Commission also works with the Energy Commission to streamline the production and utilization of woodfuels. The Forestry Research Institute of Ghana under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research serves as the National Institution for forestry research and has been engaged in most forestry related research in Ghana. However, the level of coordination among these institutions and the local communities in charcoal production is virtually non-existent. For this project, the Energy Commission and the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana will be directly involved in the execution. 10

12 2.1.2 Stakeholder analysis Stakeholder group characteristics Problems, needs, interests potentials Current Status of stakeholder Involvement in the project Primary stakeholders Local charcoal producers Village administrators Derive income from charcoal production Responsible for making and implementing village development plans Base for livelihoods threatened Lack of capacity for improved charcoal production technology Local knowledge of charcoal production Authority and influence in the village Produces charcoal using obsolete and inefficient technologies Local Community charcoal production monitoring Primary beneficiaries of the project Monitor and maintain constructed kiln and briquette plants Women Involve in production and sale of charcoal Low income from charcoal production Local knowledge of charcoal production Main producers of charcoal Women will be trained to adopt new charcoal production technology Secondary stakeholders District assembly Tertiary stakeholders Koforidua Polytechnic Forestry Research Institute of Ghana Energy Commission of Ghana Actively involved in implementing rural development plans Have education and research missions Conduct forestry Research in Ghana Formulate energy policy Lack of capacity for improved charcoal production technology Inadequate funds to conduct research in charcoal production Has not done much work in charcoal and briquette production Inability to address all the energy needs of Ghana Experienced in working with villages Competence in thermochemical biomass conversion research. Has well trained researchers in forest research Have oversight responsibility of the implementation of energy policies in Ghana Monitor the logging of wood for charcoal production in Afram Plains District Train students in improved biomass production technologies Conduct research into efficient wood utilization Formulate efficient energy utilization policies Partner with executing agency in implementation of project activities Will be the executing agency Will be collaborators in the execution of the project Offer technical advice to the project 11

13 2.1.3 Problem Tree Analysis The Afram Plains in Ghana is noted for charcoal production, producing about 3 million bags of charcoal per annum. Inefficient charcoal production has always resulted in the usage of extremely large volume of wood. The overall effect of inefficient charcoal production is the rapid degradation of the forest resource base and the loss of forest habitats. Inefficient charcoal production if not curtailed or reduced will seriously affect the livelihood of the rural communities since more than 75% of inhabitants depend on agriculture and charcoal production for their livelihood. The choice for the current obsolete and inefficient technologies for charcoal production due to lack of research findings account for the large loss of wood. Government has not been able to implement policy in wood utilization for charcoal production due to poor coordination between institutions and local charcoal producers. The use of alternative material as substitute for charcoal remains at the institutional level and has not been disseminated to local communities. The forest resource base is degrading rapidly Forest habitats are being lost The livelihoods of local communities are threatened Extremely large volume of wood used in charcoal production Inefficient production system of charcoal Unpopular use of substitute material in charcoal and briquette Weak policy in wood utilization for charcoal production Lack of R&D on efficient charcoal production technology Access to fund for research in this area Research results on substitute material are not disseminated Poor coordination Poor policy implementation Efficiency in charcoal production has not been enforced. Lack of institutional interest and involvement in this research area Alternative species for charcoal making is not promoted e.g. bamboo Lack of training on use of improve technology Capacity building programmes in efficient charcoal production technology is not available. 12

14 2.1.4 Logical framework matrix PROGRAM ELEMENTS INDICATORS MEANS OF VERIFICATION Project monitoring and evaluation report Development Objective: To contribute towards a sustainable forest management through reduction in volume of wood used in charcoal production to enhance efficient utilization of forest resources The availability of improved charcoal production technology Increased in income levels of charcoal producers by 80% 60% forest resource savings ASSUMPTIONS Local community support for project is guaranteed. Specific Objective: To train local charcoal producers in the efficient production system of charcoal and to educate them on the use of substitute materials in charcoal and briquette production. More than 90% of charcoal producers in selected communities will use efficient production system of charcoal project report conference proceedings There will be persistent demand and interest in the newly developed kiln and briquette plant for efficient charcoal and briquette production. Substitute material will constitute at least 40% of the raw material for charcoal production Output 1: One hundred and fifty (150) traditional charcoal producers drawn from selected communities educated and trained in the use of substitute material for charcoal and briquette production technology; 1.1 Inception workshop for stakeholders. More than 80% of Stakeholders will be committed to the project 1.2 Training of facilitators for the implementation of All facilitators will demonstrate the project. total commitment during the Workshop report Seminar report Involvement of interested parties. Facilitators identified and trained 13

15 1.3 Design and implementation of a comprehensive public awareness and education campaign on conservation of forest and the use of waste biomass as alternative 1.4 Identify available biomass and train charcoal producers on its usage for charcoal production. project More than 60% of charcoal producers use logging and agricultural residues for charcoal and briquette production after the project Two or more Biomass available within the district is identified and use as substitute by local charcoal producers Output 2: Five (5) community kilns constructed. 2.1 Select and design efficient and suitable kiln Five Kilns are constructed and operating efficiently at designed capacities during the project period. Project report Project report Published documents Local community ability to operate kiln Interest, participation and commitment of community Alternate waste biomass feedstock for charcoal and briquette available. Technology suitable for local community. Availability of experts 2.2 Procure materials and accessories for charcoal All materials for kiln construction production are procured. 2.3 Construction and testing of kilns Five kilns Constructed and operating to produce first 20 bags of charcoal each Output 3: Five communities trained in the use of efficient technology Project Reports Receipts of payment Project Reports Materials and accessories meet quality standard. Availability of experts 3.1 Training of charcoal producers to acquire technical skills on operation and maintenance of the process plants 150 Charcoal producer s proficient in kiln operations and maintenance 3.2 Design and implement operational and monitoring evaluation system of the constructed kiln More than three thousand five hundred (3500) bags of charcoal and briquette produced at the end of the project period Project Reports Research conference proceedings Kiln is functional 3.3 Conduct a study on community acceptability of technology More than 60% of charcoal producers use new technology Project reports New technology is used by Communities 14

16 3.4 Re-training of charcoal producers in the use of the new technology 3.5 Assessing the socio-economic impacts of developed technology and product Output 4: Results and findings disseminated Charcoal producer s proficient in the use of new technology. Increased in income levels of charcoal producers by 80% More than 30% of communities use briquette together with charcoal for domestic purposes Training programme reports Published articles Project Reports Interest, participation and Commitment of charcoal producers. Project effect on the community socially and economically. 4.1 Organize stakeholder consultation forum and workshop to validate findings. 4.2 Proposal to Energy Commission and Forestry Commission on National Campaign on use of new technology More than 80% of stakeholders accept findings of project Acceptance of proposal by Energy Commission Workshop reports Conference proceedings Published articles Copy of proposal Project report Findings are authenticated Submitted proposal is accepted by commission 4.3 Final report and submission All stakeholders accept final project report Comprehensive Project Report The various stages of the projects are fully completed 15

17 2.2 Objectives To contribute towards a sustainable forest management through reduction the volume of wood used in charcoal production to enhance efficient utilization of forest resources To train local charcoal producers in the efficient production system of charcoal and to educate them on the use of substitute materials in charcoal and briquette production One hundred and fifty (150) traditional charcoal producers drawn from selected communities educated and trained in the use of substitute material for charcoal and briquette production technology; Inception workshop for stakeholders Five (5) community kilns constructed. Select and design efficient and suitable kiln Five communities trained in the use of efficient technology Training of charcoal producers to acquire technical skills on operation and maintenance of the process plants Results and findings disseminated Organize stakeholder consultation forum and workshop to validate findings. Training of facilitators for the implementation of the project Design and implementation of a comprehensive public awareness and education campaign on conservation of forest and use waste biomass as an Procure materials and accessories for charcoal production Construction and testing of kiln Design and implement operational and monitoring evaluation system of the constructed kiln Conduct a study on community acceptability of technology Re-training of charcoal producers in the use of the new technology Proposal to Energy Commission and Forestry Commission on National Campaign on use of new technology Final report preparation and submission Identify available biomass and train charcoal producers on its usage for charcoal production. 16 Assess the socio-economic impacts of developed technology and product

18 Development objective and impact indicators To contribute towards a sustainable forest management through reduction in volume of wood used in charcoal production to enhance efficient utilization of forest resources The indicators would be the availability of improved charcoal production technology increased in income levels of charcoal producers by 80% 60% forest resource savings Specific objective and outcome indicators To train local charcoal producers in the efficient production system of charcoal and to educate them on the use of substitute materials in charcoal and briquette production. The outcome indicators would be that more than 90% of charcoal producers in selected communities will use efficient production system of charcoal substitute material will constitute at least 40% of the raw material for charcoal production 17

19 PART 3. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT INTERVENTIONS 3.1 Outputs and activities Outputs One hundred and fifty (150) traditional charcoal producers drawn from selected communities educated and trained in the use of substitute material for charcoal and briquette production technology; Five (5) community kilns constructed. Five communities trained in the use of efficient technology and assessed Results and findings disseminated Activities Output 1: One Hundred and fifty (150) traditional charcoal producers drawn from charcoal producing town and nearby villages, educated and equipped to adopt the improved charcoal production technology Inception workshop for stakeholders. Training of facilitators for the implementation of the project. Design and implementation of a comprehensive public awareness and education campaign on conservation of forest and the use of waste biomass as alternative. Identify available biomass and train charcoal producers on its usage for charcoal production. Output 2: Five (5) community kilns constructed. Select and design efficient and suitable kiln Procure materials and accessories for charcoal production Construction and testing of kilns Output 3: One Hundred and fifty (150) traditional charcoal producers trained in the use of new technology Training of charcoal producers to acquire technical skills on operation and maintenance of the process plants. Design and implement operational and monitoring evaluation system of the constructed kiln Conduct a study on community acceptability of technology Re training of charcoal producers in the use of the technology Assessing the socio economic impacts of developed technology and product Output 4: Results and findings disseminated Organize stakeholder consultation forum and workshop to validate findings. Proposal to Energy Commission and Forestry Commission on National Campaign on use of new technology Final report and submission 3.2 Implementation approaches and methods The proposed project will be executed within the context of the government s policy objective of ensuring sustainable production, marketing and consumption of woodfuels, taking into account environmental, poverty and gender issues. It is also in line with the policy directive of facilitating the development and introduction of efficient and improved technologies for production and consumption 18

20 of woodfuels. The proposed project will correspond to the goals of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II). The project will adopt some key strategies in order to fulfill its implementation. Some of the strategies will include. Awareness creation within the selected communities on benefits of efficient charcoal production technology in combating poverty and conserving the environment. Participatory workshops will be convened in the Afram Plains (Kwahu North) District to examine the status of forest use in charcoal production and management Selected community participatory in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the technology to the community charcoal producers. Local capacity building on kiln construction and operation, as well as provide linkages between cooperating institution (Koforidua polytechnic) and the selected communities. Undertake study, assessment and evaluation of the project. Stakeholders consultations and Surveys 19

21 3.3 Work Plan OUTPUTS/ACTIVITIES RESPONSIBLE PARTY Output 1: One hundred and fifty (150) Traditional charcoal producers drawn from selected communities educated and trained in the use of substitute materials for charcoal and briquette production technology; 1.1 Inception workshop for stakeholders Executing Agency 24 MONTHS (2 YEARS) SCHEDULE (Quarters) Year 1 Year Training of facilitators for the implementation of the project. 1.3 Design and implementation of a comprehensive public awareness and education campaign on conservation of forest and use waste 1.4 Identify available biomass and train charcoal producers on its usage for charcoal production. Output 2: Five (5) community kilns constructed 2.1 Select and design efficient and suitable kiln 2.2 Procure materials and accessories for charcoal production 2.3 Construction and testing of kilns Output 3: five communities trained in the use of efficient technology 3.1Training of charcoal producers to acquire technical skills on operation and maintenance of the process plants 3.2 Design and implement operational and monitoring evaluation system of the constructed kiln 3.3 Conduct a study on community acceptability of technology Re-training of charcoal producers in the use of the new technology 3.4 Assess the socio-economic impacts of developed technology and product Output 4: Results and findings disseminated 4.1 organize stakeholder consultation forum and workshop to validate findings. Proposal to Energy Commission and Forestry Commission on National campaign on use of new technology Final report preparation and submission Experts Coordinator & Facilitators Researchers Coordinator & Energy System Engineer Coordinator Facilitators Facilitators Researchers Coordinator & Researchers Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator 20

22 3.4 Budget Outputs/ Activities Master Budget Description Budget component Quantity Year 1 Year 2 Units Unit cost US$ Total Cost US$ Year 1 ITTO Year 2 Executing Agency Output 1 One hundred and fifty (150) traditional charcoal producers drawn from selected communities educated and trained in the use of substitute material for charcoal and briquette production technology; A1.1 Inception workshop for stakeholders. 1x 2-day meeting; 25 participants Participant A1.2 Training of facilitators for the implementation of the project. A1.3 Training in public awareness campaign on forest conservation 3-day workshop; 12 participants 36 Participant Materials for training Units Consultant to design awareness campaign and training (2 months) 2 Personmonth Design and implementation of a comprehensive public awareness and education campaign on conservation of forest and the use of waste biomass as alternative 2 Researchers (3 months) 6 Personmonth community surveys; 8 persons per survey 24 Participant Materials for Campaign units A1.4 Identify available biomass and train charcoal producers on its usage for charcoal production Output 2 2 Researchers (3 months) 6 Personmonth day workshop; 150 beneficiaries 150 Participant Five (5) community kilns constructed. A2.1 Select and design efficient and suitable kiln 3 experts (1 Building Technologist,2 energy systems engineer)(2 months) 6 Personmonth A2.2 Procure materials and accessories for charcoal production Material for briquette plants Units Material for kiln and construction Units Lands (5) for kiln construction A2.3 Construction and testing of kiln 3 experts (1 Building Technologist,2 energy systems engineer) (4 months) 9 9 Personmonth Technicians from Energy Systems labourers