This study aims at assessing the opportunities and potential for establishing a green charcoal sector in Rwanda along the entire value chain of charcoal production, including wood production, charcoaling, transport, wholesaling, trade and final consumption. It focuses on the elaboration of a road map to develop a modern and efficient charcoal value chain.

This report provides a central overview of the current status of the charcoal sector in Rwanda and gives ideas about possible wide-ranging programs and needed investments to support the development of a well-regulated and competitive market for a sustainable supply of charcoal in the country.

The major elements of the study include:

-          Summarize the structure of the charcoal value chain in Rwanda;

-          Describe the principle elements of a “green” charcoal chain;

-          Outline the requirements for a “green” charcoal chain to be certifiable, i.e. needed reforms, such as the socio-organization of charcoal producers (kiln to wood vs. wood to kiln) as well as the provision of special permits favoring the “green” charcoal chain;

-  Describe possible policy tools to benefit from a certified “green” charcoal value chain, such as differential taxation (e.g. tax benefits for certified “green” charcoal)

-  Describe in detail the potential for GHG emission reductions along a “green” charcoal chain

-  Describe alternative carbon finance options (e.g. voluntary market versus CDM) along the charcoal value chain and illustrate the role of certification in the context of carbon finance

-  Elaborate how promotion of Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) can be part of carbon finance options, although outside the charcoal value chain

-  Design a road map for implementation/an implementation plan for a “green” charcoal chain, including certification

-  Calculate the (up-front) investment needed to realize a “green” charcoal chain (a) in general and (b) as a pilot phase