According to the Energy Policy of Zimbabwe (2012), wood fuel provides the bulk of total energy supply and most rural areas are facing fuel wood shortages. It is estimated that more than 6 million tonnes of wood fuel are consumed annually when the sustainable output of natural forests is 4.6 million tonnes translating to a loss of 330 000 hectares of forest area or over 60 million trees per year. Over-exploitation of wood resources has resulted in destruction of carbon sinks, severe land degradation, soil erosion and siltation of rivers and dams. To reduce loss of wood the Ministry of Energy and Power Development will implement the programme. Collaborations with other government departments, institutions, non-governmental organisations and civic society organisations will be sought. The programme aims at:

• Reducing loss of woodlands which are carbon sinks that help to capture carbon;
• Creating awareness of advantages of  use of efficient cook stoves as compared to open fire places;
• Training of local artisans and builders in the construction of efficient cook stoves;