Fuelwood, especially for the creation of charcoal, represents 92% of energy supply in Madagascar (source WWF). Estimates from the Ministry of Environment and Forests of fuelwood quantities required in Madagascar are greater than 12 million cubic meters annually. This roughly translates into 240 000 hectares of tree plantations and is the equivalent size of Masoala the largest national park in Madagascar. It is unsure whether Madagascar can meet the long-term requirements of the population with fuelwood. Dwindling supply of charcoal in some areas of Madagascar is a major threat to the remaining vestiges of native woodland and forest within these communities. Without adequate supply of fuel for cooking, reforestation projects will continue to be compromised in long-term success.
Eucalypts are fast growing, quickly supply fuelwood, are an ideal source of construction timber and provide usable timber for housing within 6-8yrs (optimum 10-18yrs species dependent). Targeted selection of suitable eucalypt species is required to improve growth rates, fuelwood supply and usable timber for construction compared to species currently used such as E. robusta. Most plantations across Madagascar exhibit very short cutting cycles (2-3yrs) that indicates more plantation wood is required to meet current fuelwood demands.
Some local native species are known that match early growth rates of eucalypts, however, native species do not sustain this level of growth over the long-term. Eucalypt species grow faster and produce more volume of wood than native species. During the current critical period for fuelwood supply it is essential that eucalypt species are used that can meet and surpass the rate of charcoal use. The table below displays species that would be more suitable for specific climatic regions of Madagascar. Some of these are already in use but others are desperately needed in trial plantations.
Use of fast growing native species, innovation of cooking techniques and alternative energy sources will all contribute to long-term sustainable energy use in Madagascar. These initiatives will facilitate a shift away from the dependence on exotic species. However, fast growing eucalypts will meet the current demands of local, often remote, communities for fuelwood and reduce the pressure on remnant native forests.
Long-term efforts need to concentrate on a shift to incorporate native species timber plantations for construction and fuel wood supply. The time required to facilitate a shift to native sources would be reliant on a short-term need for eucalypt plantations. Native species provide multiple other benefits that exotic species do not provide. Natural interactions with animals and other flora do not occur with exotic eucalypt trees as does with natives. The ecological-economic value of native species is much higher in the long-term than exotic eucalypt species. However, information regarding local species is not readily available although community elders, forest users and forest agents are aware of fast growing native species.
Propagation methods and planting advice for native species is also not easily available and this may be a contributing factor why widespread use of native trees has not occurred. There is much promise for the use of mycorrhiza in community nurseries which should help the growth and survival of native species. Since this technique was promoted a few years ago several groups have reported significant increases in growth and survival of native plants. VAM may be the key ingredient required to promote the use of fast growing native tree species.