Dynamics of land-cover change and characterization of charcoal production and trade in southwestern Angola

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Miombo and mopane woodlands of southwestern Angola have been overexploited for decades, leading to deforestation and forest degradation driven by social dynamics during and after the civil war (1975–2002), with different patterns of use of natural resources. Our objective was to study the changes in land-cover in three municipalities of southwestern Angola, and to characterize the charcoal production and trade on miombo and mopane woodlands, where that production was identified as one of the main causes of degradation. Land-cover dynamics between 1990 and 2019 was evaluated based on four land-cover maps, and the processes involved in deforestation and forest degradation were identified and discussed. Roadside charcoal sale locations, markets, the most exploited species, and the type, size, and efficiency of the kilns were assessed through field surveys. Between 1990 and 2019, the woodland area decreased and was converted to savanna woodland and agriculture, while the urban area continuously increased. Both miombo and mopane woodlands went through higher annual deforestation rates than those reported by FAO at the national level. The dynamics of land use were different between the war and post-war periods, respectively with the abandonment of agricultural land and migration of rural populations to the cities, and their return to the countryside and use of land and forest resources as primary subsistence activities. Agriculture and charcoal production were identified as the main income-generating activities, and the occupation of unused land by outsiders may have also contributed to intensify deforestation and forest degradation. To slow down the ongoing area loss of miombo and mopane woodlands, it seems crucial to implement conservation and restoration strategies promoting the sustainable use of the resources while ensuring the provision of essential goods to local populations and contributing to reduce poverty.