Draft:Namibian Charcoal : Green Charcoal Namibia
| Submission declined on 8 July 2025 by Qcne (talk). This submission appears to read more like an advertisement than an entry in an encyclopedia. Encyclopedia articles need to be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources, not just to materials produced by the creator of the subject being discussed. This is important so that the article can meet Wikipedia's verifiability policy and the notability of the subject can be established. If you still feel that this subject is worthy of inclusion in Wikipedia, please rewrite your submission to comply with these policies.
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| Submission declined on 7 July 2025 by GoldRomean (talk). This draft's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article. In summary, the draft needs multiple published sources that are:
This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject. Declined by GoldRomean 20 hours ago. | |
Comment: I think this is a thinly veiled advert for the company Green Charcoal Namibia? qcne (talk) 12:39, 8 July 2025 (UTC)
Namibian charcoal refers to hardwood charcoal produced from encroacher bush species. Namibia is one of the world’s largest exporters of natural lump charcoal, with key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.[1] In 2022, the country exported over 280,000 tonnes of charcoal, generating about N$1.4 billion (≈USD 75 million) in revenue.[2]
Bush encroachment
[edit]Bush encroachment refers to the overgrowth of woody plant species such as Acacia mellifera and Dichrostachys cinerea across Namibia’s rangelands. Over 45 million hectares—nearly half of Namibia’s agricultural land—is considered encroached.[3]
This phenomenon is linked to overgrazing, fire suppression, and climate change, and it has significantly reduced the country’s grazing capacity and biodiversity.[4]
Restoration economy
[edit]Namibia has positioned its biomass sector as part of a broader “restoration economy.” According to the Namibia Biomass Industry Group (N-BiG), sustainable harvesting of bush biomass can restore ecosystems while supporting job creation and rural income.[5] An estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of bush biomass exists, with up to 30 million tonnes regrowing annually.
Industry structure
[edit]Charcoal is primarily produced using earth kilns, although improved kiln technologies such as retorts are being adopted to reduce emissions and increase yield. Most producers are small- and medium-scale enterprises operating under FSC-certified supply chains.
The Namibian Charcoal Association (NCA) promotes quality standards, traceability, and social compliance, helping producers access international markets.[6]
Environmental and social impacts
[edit]When done sustainably, bush thinning can improve water infiltration, reduce wildfire risk, and enhance grazing potential. However, unsupervised clearing may lead to soil degradation and loss of native flora and fauna.[7]
The sector employs around 12,000 people directly, mostly in rural areas, and supports thousands more indirectly through transport, logistics, and certification bodies.[8]
Example: Green Charcoal Namibia
[edit]Green Charcoal Namibia (GCN), based in Arandis, is a private enterprise founded in 2022. It produces FSC-certified lump charcoal and DIN-certified briquettes from invasive bush and operates a modern packaging and processing facility.[9]
The company supports over 80 full-time employees and works with a broader network of harvesters and contractors across Namibia. It exports primarily to Belgium, France, and Italy, and has plans to expand into North America.[10]
Other developments
[edit]Large industrial consumers, such as Ohorongo Cement, use woodchips made from encroacher bush for thermal energy in cement kilns.[11] Meanwhile, new startups such as MycoHab are exploring alternatives like mushroom-based building panels made from shredded bush biomass.[12]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ https://www.namibiancharcoal.com/industry-overview/
- ^ "Namibia's charcoal industry sees rapid growth". NBC News. 3 August 2022.
- ^ "Namibia Bush Information Guide" (PDF). GIZ. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Bush Encroachment Policy" (PDF). Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "The story of Namibian bush". Namibia Biomass Industry Group. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Namibian Charcoal Association". Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ Archer, Steven R. (2013). "Woody Plant Encroachment: Causes and Consequences". Encyclopedia of Biodiversity.
- ^ "Charcoal production from bush biomass: A Namibian case study". NEPAD. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Charcoal factory inaugurated… Green Charcoal Namibia promises 850 jobs". New Era. 6 June 2023.
- ^ "Green Charcoal targets 30,000 tonnes per year". Namibian Economist. 9 June 2023.
- ^ "Ohorongo uses encroacher bush for energy". Energy100 Namibia. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "People think they'll smell: Namibian startup turns bush into mushroom-based bricks". The Guardian. 15 March 2024.