The impact of improvements in rural sanitation on wood supplies in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The rural sanitation programme in Zimbabwe uses wood for brick firing. These bricks are used to line the pit and construct the superstructure of the Blair latrine. On a national scale the latrine construction programme increases fuelwood demand by a maximum of 2% per annum. The health and social benefits provided by the latrines are considered good value for the fractional increase in tree loss that they will incur. Woodfuel supplies can only be ensured through a comprehensive tree planting programme for brick firing and domestic fuel. The success of woodland management will depend upon the provision of woodlots and a more comprehensive woodfuel market. Alternatively, different building materials or other energy sources for firing bricks are required to ensure satisfactory provision of rural sanitation.

Key words:

• Woodfuel
• Blair latrine
• woodland management
• rural sanitation
• Zimbabwe