New project aims to prevent deforestation in Zambia by turning women into entrepreneurs

A group of young volunteers have discovered an inventive way to prevent deforestation in remote areas of Zambia – by encouraging women to become entrepreneurs. While Zambia is one of the most foliage rich countries on earth – with 60 per cent of its land mass covered in forest – it is also one of world’s most prolific deforesters. According to recent data from the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), the deforestation rate in Zambia is currently around 250-300 thousand hectares a year – leaving experts concerned that Zambia’s trees could be gone completely by the year 2030. One of the main causes of deforestation in Zambia is the use of charcoal. 90 per cent of the population use charcoal related sources of energy and about 75 per cent of households rely on it, according to the Stockholm Environment Institute – making charcoal a lucrative business venture and major source of livelihood for many people.