Estimating woody biomass in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Woodfuels play a dominant role in energy balance of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and shortages of woodfuel exist, or are perceived to exist, in many areas. This volume describes a first attempt to map the varied vegetation and types of land cover in Sub-Saharan Africa and to assess the growing stock and sustainable yield of woody biomass. It is the result of a project undertaken by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) to address the lack of data on energy resources for most African countries. This information is essential for calculating energy balances. The work's usefulness, however, goes far beyond questions of energy sufficiency. Appropriate management of Africa's biological resources, to which it is hoped this work will contribute, will help maintain and perhaps enhance environmental quality on the continent. Moreover, the extent of worldwide forest cover has come to be recognized as a critical variable in predicting global climate change. Together these considerations make the assessment of existing wood resources in Africa a timely intervention. This study includes: a discussion on meteorological satellite data for vegetation and land use mapping; a description of the processes used in classifying and mapping land cover classes; a woody biomass assessment; a description of biomass classes; and finally, regional summaries by class of biomass.