From Forest to Fuel: The Environmental Cost of Somalia’s Charcoal Trade

By Abdiqani Haji Abdi

Somalia’s charcoal trade remains a major driver of deforestation and environmental degradation, as large numbers of trees are cut to meet domestic and commercial demand for charcoal. The destruction of forests is accelerating land degradation, increasing vulnerability to drought and climate shocks, and undermining the livelihoods of communities that depend on healthy ecosystems. Despite efforts to curb the trade, weak enforcement and continued demand have allowed the charcoal economy to persist, raising urgent questions about how Somalia can balance energy needs with the protection of its rapidly diminishing natural resources.

Several vehicles transporting charcoal have reportedly been set on fire recently near the settlement of Warmaxan along the road linking Wanlaweyn and Afgooye, highlighting a growing and increasingly dangerous struggle over Somalia’s charcoal trade and the rapid destruction of the country’s remaining forests.

The incident comes amid mounting concern over the large-scale cutting of trees across parts of Lower Shabelle, where charcoal producers and timber traders are reportedly clearing forests at an accelerating rate. Trees are being cut not only to produce charcoal but also to supply construction timber to markets in Mogadishu and elsewhere.