Fast growing tree species in agroforestry systems are now helping to supply cooking fuel in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The website of the University of Adelaide reports on a project by its researchers to establish a successful charcoal industry using locally grown firewood.

Both rural and urban populations of PNG rely heavily on wood for energy. To supply this wood, the project came up with suitable tree species that would produce wood in just 2 years and also re-grow from stumps once harvested.

When local people saw that the wood was different to what they were used to, a decision was made to turn it into charcoal for cooking. Without an existing market for charcoal, the project had to establish business models that would fit with PNG’s diverse culture.

"Around the city of Lae, 7 extended-family groups now operate businesses based on charcoal. The groups focus variously on charcoal production, stove construction, and demonstration and sales in the market place.

"What we've done is applied science and the business of agroforestry to help people build real livelihoods from tree products," says Dr Ian Nuberg, Senior Lecturer in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at Adelaide University.

The 6 year project was funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Read the full story: Building family livelihoods from charcoal in PNG