By Precious Mwambula
Deforestation, which is the clearing of trees in forests, disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide.
This environmental degradation often leads to soil erosion and habitat loss for countless plant and animal species.
In most parts of Zambia, forests are not just collections of trees; they are vital ecosystems that support an incredible array of life, from plants and animals to indigenous communities that depend on them for their livelihoods and cultural heritage.
In Zambia, the primary cause of deforestation is the production of charcoal, which is used as a source of energy in most households, especially in urban areas.
Chief Simamba of Chirundu and Siavonga has since accused government officials of failing to arrest illegal charcoal burners and traders.
Charcoal production requires the cutting down of numerous trees.
Although charcoal is a common source of energy in many Zambian communities, its production has had a devastating impact on the environment.
Consequently, the government has established laws aimed at discouraging people from engaging in this environmentally destructive practice.
It is not only the government that is concerned about the rapid deforestation in the area. Traditional leaders, such as Chief Simamba of the Tonga people of Siavonga, are also unhappy about the situation.
Chief Simamba has even called upon the government to stiffen the laws and control the high levels of tree cutting, warning that if this is not done, Siavonga district may soon become a desert.
The traditional leader expressed his frustration with the government’s inaction, saying, “Government has failed to arrest charcoal burners who cut trees. Imagine, the law is there, and the Forestry Act is also there, but the government is not using it. So, for me, I am worried that if the government fails to control the high levels of tree cutting, then Siavonga will very soon become a desert, and we will have problems as far as rain is concerned.”
Investigations conducted in Chirundu and Siavonga districts of Southern Province, confirm Chief Simamba’s concerns that the government is failing to arrest charcoal traders and burners.
The reason for this failure is that many charcoal burners and traders have either partnered with or bribed some forestry officers entrusted with protecting the forests. Both charcoal burners and traders have corroborated these allegations.
It is alleged that forestry officers in these two districts have a stake in many trucks loaded with charcoal, allowing them to reach their destinations without interference.
One charcoal trader revealed that he conducts his business using a bicycle, carrying only two bags of charcoal per day. To reach the market and sell his charcoal, he must pay at least K50 per bag to forestry officers along the way.
James* (not real name), another charcoal trader, disclosed that some forestry officers are involved in the charcoal business, employing drivers with personal trucks to transport charcoal to the market for a fee of K45 per bag.
As a result, when passing through checkpoints, no money is paid, and no license is required.
A charcoal burner, Peter* (not real name), said it is difficult to end charcoal burning because some forestry officers are involved in the vice.
“Most officers have bought small machines for cutting trees so that we can burn charcoal for them. They know there is more money in this business. As charcoal burners, we have an income to feed our families through these piecework jobs.”
Some customers from Zimbabwe cross into Zambia to purchase charcoal, he said.
Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo has promised to investigate the allegations of forestry officers collaborating with charcoal traders and burners. Jakopo warned that any officer found guilty would face consequences.
The district commissioner expressed concern over the rampant deforestation in Siyabonga, citing it as a significant source of worry for the government.
“Last year, we convened a meeting with forestry officers to discuss strategies for conserving our forests. We observed that even the designated forest reserves had been encroached upon,” he said.
In July, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha vowed to combat illegal activities in the forestry sector by strengthening laws and making offenses non-bailable.
- Southern Press