Analysis of the Wood Energy Market (Charcoal and Firewood) in the City of Kindu, Maniema Province in DR Congo

Augustin Yakayengo Toko; Jean Pierre Ngongo Lushima; Sylvain Solia Edondonto; Faustin Mbayu Mpanya; Hippolyte Nshimba Seya wa Malale

Augustin Yakayengo Toko University of Kindu, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, BP122, Kindu, DR Congo
Jean Pierre Ngongo Lushima University of Kindu, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, BP122, Kindu, DR Congo
Sylvain Solia Edondonto Faculty Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Yangambi IFA /Ybi, BP 1232 Kisangani, RD Congo
Faustin Mbayu Mpanya University of Kisangani, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources Management, Department of Forest Ecosystem Management, BP 2012, Kisangani, DR Congo
Hippolyte Nshimba Seya wa Malale University of Kisangani, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Ecology and Plant Resources Management, BP 2012, Kisangani, DR Congo

Keywords: wood energy, sellers, market, city of Kindu

Abstract

This study was conducted in the city of Kindu in 2023 to examine the marketing of wood energy (charcoal / and or firewood). The issue of domestic energy remains a major concern globally, particularly in developing countries, where the majority of the population primarily relies on wood. This situation is common in DR Congo, especially in the Province of Maniema. The main objective was to analyze the wood energy market (charcoal and firewood) sold in the city of Kindu. The methodology used was a survey supported by interviews, site visits, and direct observation for data collection, using pre-established survey forms.

Following these surveys, it was observed that the market circuit for the sale of wood energy is poorly structured and minimally organized by the population involved. Of the 389 individuals engaged in the wood energy trade, 365 (93.84%) work independently for personal profit, while only 24 (6.16%) operate within an association or working group. The proportion of women in the sector is significantly higher: 70.95% (276 women) compared to 29.05% (113 men).

Daily sales volumes, based on buyers’ preferred measurement units, are distributed as follows. For charcoal, the small bag (200g to 300g) and the large bag (1kg) are the most common, accounting for 52.87% and 7.32% respectively, followed by 56kg sacks at 31.93%. For firewood, sellers typically offer 10-20 packages of 1kg (46.11%), 5-10 packages of 2kg (38.35%), and 10-50 packages of 3kg (15.52%) per day. The distances traveled by sellers to obtain wood energy range between 1 to 10 km, 5 to 10 km and 1 to 5 km.

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