Authors : Rodwell Gwelengwe; Dr. Kelvin Chibomba; Dr. Chisala

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr9de4pr

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/342x6x3p

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun664

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Understanding afforestation programs and alternative energy programs is key and important in addressing deforestation and charcoal dependence among residents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of afforestation policies and alternative energy programs in reducing deforestation and charcoal dependency in rural Sinazongwe, Zambia: A case study of Kasanse and Chiyube villages. The study objectives focused on assessing the benefits of afforestation policy in minimizing deforestation, evaluate the effect of alternative energy programs on household charcoal dependency and energy transition in rural communities, examine challenges to the effective implementation of afforestation and alternative energy policies at the local level and recommend strategies for enhancing afforestation efforts and alternative energy sources adoption. The study used qualitative and descriptive research design. In this study, the target population was 100 participant of which 70 was the sample size sampled using purposive followed by snowball sampling technique. The study collected both primary and secondary data therefore, primary data was collected using interviews, focus group discussion and key informants interviews while secondary was based on the previous studies done by different authors in line with the study objectives. Data analysis was done systematically with content analysis with the help of SPSS and Nvivo wth triangulation method. The study found that afforestation policy in Kasanse and Chiyube villages increased awareness of tree planting, improved vegetation cover, restored biodiversity, and created incomegenerating opportunities such as beekeeping, seedling sales, and sustainable timber harvesting. Alternative energy programs reduced household reliance on charcoal by promoting solar home systems and improved stoves, resulting in cost savings, improved health, and time efficiency. However, challenges including high upfront costs, low seedling survival, unreliable electricity, weak policy enforcement, and land tenure insecurity limited the full effectiveness of both interventions. Overall, the findings indicate that while these policies have positively impacted environmental conservation and energy transition, addressing economic, technical, and institutional barriers is critical for sustained benefits. In line with the fourth and last objective, the study found that, the recommended strategies which included economic incentives to residents, local supply chain strengthening, enforcing the policies, extensive capacity building for people, enforce and promote climate resilient tree planting and educating the community on afforestation and alternative energy programme. The study concluded and recommended the need for consented effort among government, private sector and local people and enhance enforcement to improve preservation and conservation.

Keywords : Afforestation, Alternative Energy, Policy, Effectiveness, Deforestation, Charcoal Dependence.

References :

1. Amir, S., et al. (2021). Energy status in Africa: Challenges, progress, and sustainable development. Energies, 16(23), 7708. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/23/7708
2. Bosetti, V., & Rose, S. K. (2018). Afforestation and avoided deforestation in a multi-regional climate model: Economic analyses and potential implications. Ecological Economics, 146, 148-159. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921800918315933
3. Busch, J., & Ferretti-Gallon, K. (2023). Public policies and global forest conservation: Empirical evidence from the past two decades. Science of The Total Environment, 856, 158793. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095937802300136X
4. Central African Forest Initiative. (2024). Central African Forest Initiative. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_African_Forest_Initiative
5. Chakrabarti, A., Handa, S., & Malawi and Zambia Cash Transfer Evaluation Teams. (2023). The impacts of cash transfers on household energy choices. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 105(5), 1426-1457. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajae.12366
6. Chambers, R., & Conway, G. (1992). Sustainable rural livelihoods: Practical concepts for the 21st century. IDS Discussion Paper.
7. Cheng, S., Davis, K. F., & Ciais, P. (2024). Tree plantations and forest regrowth are linked to poverty reduction across Africa. Communications Earth & Environment, 5, 45. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01845-2
8. Cheng, S., Davis, K. F., & Ciais, P. (2024). Tree plantations and forest regrowth are linked to poverty reduction across Africa. Communications Earth & Environment, 5, 45. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01845-2
9. Chidumayo, E. N. (2013). Forest degradation and recovery in a miombo woodland landscape in Zambia: 22 years of observations on permanent sample plots. Forest Ecology and Management, 291, 154-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2012.11.031.
10. E-International Relations. (2016). Renewable energy: Global challenges. Retrieved from https://www.e-ir.info/2016/05/27/renewable-energy-global-challenges/
11. FAO. (2005). Challenges in defining, implementing and renewing forest policies. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/4/a0532e/A0532e03.htm
12. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2020). Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020: Main Report. FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9825en.
13. Food and Agriculture Organization. (2021). Are policies in Africa conducive to sustainability interventions in the charcoal sector?. Retrieved from https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/b19b71f7-ed39-4dd9-98e6-5cfde0a8918e/content
14. Freeman, J., Wagner-Riddle, C., & Lee, E. A. (2021). Commercial afforestation can deliver effective climate change mitigation under multiple decarbonization pathways. Nature Communications, 12, 3831. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24084-x
15. Government of the Republic of Zambia. (2011). Environmental Management Act, No. 12 of 2011. Lusaka: Government Printer. https://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Environmetal%20Mangement%20Act%2012%20of%202011.pdf
16. Government of the Republic of Zambia. (2015). National Forestry Policy. Retrieved from https://www.mgee.gov.zm/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Draft_National_Forestry_Policy_edited_Final_15082024.docx
17. Government of the Republic of Zambia. (2015). The Forests Act No. 4 of 2015. Lusaka: Government Printer. https://www.parliament.gov.zm/node/4535
18. Government of the Republic of Zambia. (2019). National Energy Policy. Retrieved from https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/zam219821.pdf
19. Grossman, G. M., & Krueger, A. B. (1991). Environmental impacts of a North American Free Trade Agreement. NBER Working Paper.
20. Guta, D. D., Jara, J., Adhikari, N. P., Chen, Q., Gaur, V., & Mirzabaev, A. (2017). Electricity access and charcoal consumption among urban households in Zambia. Energy for Sustainable Development, 37, 86-98. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327404987_Electricity_access_and_charcoal_consumption_among_urban_households_in_Zambia.
21. Hassen, S., Mulugeta, G., & Deressa, W. (2022). The impact of alternative energy technology investment on environment, food security, and health. Environmental Research Communications, 4(6), 061005. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9213420/
22. International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). (2021). Forests, Trees and Poverty Alleviation in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.iuf.
23. Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (2017). National Investment Plan to Reduce Deforestation and Forest Degradation (2018-2022). Retrieved from https://www.cif.org/sites/cif_enc/files/meetingdocuments/zambia_final_investment_plan_fip.pdf
24. Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. (2017). Zambia National REDD+ Strategy. Lusaka: Government of the Republic of Zambia. https://www.un-redd.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/9.%20Zambia.pdf
25. Mulenga, B. P., Richardson, R. B., & Tembo, G. (2012). Natural resource management and land policy in Zambia. Food Security Research Project Working Paper No. 62, Lusaka: FSRP. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46471035_Natural_Resource_Management_Food_Security_and_Rural_Development_in_Zambia_Moving_From_Research_Evidence_to_Action_Proceedings_of_the_Public_Forum
26. New Partnership for Africa's Development. (n.d.). Addressing Deforestation in Africa Using Environmentally Friendly Energy Technologies. Retrieved from https://www.nepad.org/blog/addressing-deforestation-africa-using-environmentally-friendly-energy-technologies.
27. Ng’andwe, P., & Muimba-Kankolongo, A. (2018). Policy and governance issues in the charcoal, timber and forest product industries of Zambia. In A. Muimba-Kankolongo (Ed.), Food Crop Production by Smallholder Farmers in Southern Africa (pp. 353-372). London: Academic Press. https://shop.elsevier.com/books/food-crop-production-by-smallholder-farmers-in-southern-africa/muimba-kankolongo/978-0-12-814383-4
28. Not Just Carbon: Capturing All the Benefits of Forests for Stabilizing the Climate. (2022). World Resources Institute. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/research/not-just-carbon-capturing-benefits-forests-climate
29. Pelletier, J. M., Hamalambo, B., Trainor, A. M., & Barrett, C. B. (2021). How land tenure and labor relations mediate charcoal’s environmental footprint in Zambia: Implications for sustainable energy transitions. World Development, 146, 105600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105600.
30. Phiri, M., Chirwa, P. W., Watts, S., & Syampungani, S. (2016). Barriers to policy implementation and implications for Zambia's forest ecosystems. Forest Policy and Economics, 69, 40-44. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389934116300491
31. Phiri, M., Chirwa, P. W., Watts, S., & Syampungani, S. (2016). Barriers to policy implementation and implications for Zambia's forest ecosystems. Forest Policy and Economics, 69, 40-44. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389934116300491
32. Phys organization. (2025). Reforestation-based climate mitigation strategies. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2025-01-reforestation-based-climate-mitigation-strategies.html
33. Rand, J., & Hoen, B. (2017). Thirty years of North American wind energy acceptance research: What have we learned? Energy Policy, 105, 453-463. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421517301611
34. Sari, R. R., Susanti, L., & Wibowo, A. (2024). Renewable energy communities in rural areas: A review of key drivers and sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production, 321, 128920. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652624037855
35. Syampungani, S., Chirwa, P. W., Akinnifesi, F. K., & Sileshi, G. W. (2009). The potential of using agroforestry as a win–win solution to climate change mitigation and adaptation and meeting food security challenges in southern Africa. Agricultural Journal, 4(3), 155-161. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250303843_The_Potential_of_Using_Agroforestry_as_a_Win-Win_Solution_to_Climate_Change_Mitigation_and_Adaptation_and_Meeting_Food_Security_Challenges_in_Southern_Africa
36. Syampungani, S., et al. (2022). Influence of Charcoal Production on Forest Degradation in Zambia. Remote Sensing, 14(14), 3352. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/14/14/3352.
37. Tanner, E., & Johnston, P. (2021). Forest Conservation and Renewable Energy Consumption. Forests, 12(2), 255. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/12/2/255
38. The Forest Act of 2015, Zambia. https://www.parliament.gov.zm/node/4535
39. United Nations Climate Change. (2018). Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in Zambia. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/activity-database/momentum-for-change-renewable-energy-for-sustainable-development-in-zambia
40. United Nations Environment Programme. (2015). Benefits of forest ecosystems in Zambia and the role of REDD+ in a green economy transformation. Retrieved from https://www.uncclearn.org/wp-content/uploads/library/benefits_of_forest_ecosystem_zambia_full_report_final.pdf
41. United Nations Environment Programme. (2015). Zambia's Forest Ecosystems Contribute $1.3 Billion to the National Economy. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/zambias-forest-ecosystems-contribute-13-billion-national-economy
42. United Nations. (n.d.). Renewable Energy – Powering a Safer Future. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy
43. University of Zambia. (2023). Implementation of renewable energy technologies in Zambia: Facilitators and barriers. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376783563_Implementation_of_Renewable_Energy_Technologies_in_Zambia_Facilitators_and_Barriers
44. UN-REDD Programme. (2012). Preliminary analysis of drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Zambia. Retrieved from https://www.un-redd.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/PRELIMINARY%20ANALYSIS%20OF%20DRIVERS%20OF%20DEFORESTATION_20120808.pdf
45. UN-REDD Programme. (2024). REDD and REDD+. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REDD_and_REDD%2B
46. Veldman, J. W., Overbeck, G. E., Negreiros, D., Mahy, G., Le Stradic, S., Fernandes, G. W., ... & Bond, W. J. (2023). Conflation of reforestation with restoration is widespread in the context of tree planting. Science, 379(6630), 281-282. Retrieved from https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj0899
47. Vidadili, N., Suleymanov, E., Bulut, C., & Mahmudlu, C. (2017). Transition to renewable energy and sustainable energy development in Azerbaijan. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 80, 1153-1161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.168.
48. Wathum, G., & Mwampamba, T. H. (2020). Charcoal production and livelihood options in southern Africa: a review. Forests, 11(12), 1371. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11121371.
49. World Bank. (2023). National Energy Compact for Zambia. Retrieved from https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/54ece4387e7fd4bde8f1b29f55aa579d-0010012025/original/M300-AES-Compact-Zambia.pdf
50. Zulu, L. C. (2015). Charcoal, Alternative Energy, and Forest Management in Malawi. MSU Engaged Scholar Magazine. Retrieved from https://engagedscholar.msu.edu/magazine/volume13/zulu.aspx
51. Zulu, L. C., & Richardson, R. B. (2013). Charcoal, livelihoods, and poverty reduction: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. Energy for Sustainable Development, 17(2), 127-137. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0973082612000506
52. Barnes, D. F., & Floor, W. M. (1996). Rural energy in developing countries: A challenge for economic development. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment, 21(1), 497–530.
53. Kammen, D. M., & Kirubi, C. (2008). Poverty, energy, and resource use in developing countries: Focus on Africa. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1136(1), 348–357.
54. Malabo, P., & Matinga, M. (2016). Barriers to the adoption of clean energy technologies in rural Africa. Energy Policy, 93, 39–46.