Bush to Charcoal

On Farm Claratal we have a common problem in Namibia. The bush is growing too much and reduces the grazing area for the livestock. But there are solutions and the best and most eco-friendly one is producing charcoal. There are three benefits out of this, less bush, an additional income and generating jobs.

The charcoal is made from the harvesting of bushes that invade the savannah. These bushes are often thorn bushes and invasive tree species. They are unwanted because of their rapid spread and negative effects on local ecosystems, negatively impacting biodiversity, threatening species and absorbing scarce groundwater. To produce charcoal, Gideon’s crew harvest and cut the bushes to burn them in kilns for hours and turn them into charcoal. 

Charcoal producing contributes to clearing the bush. This helps to restore the ecosystems of the area which has been affected by generations of human activities.

The certification includes a check of the workers accommodation.

If you want to get more information, please visit the FSC Website

FSC certification: the guarantee of responsible charcoal production

in 2019 Farm Claratal decided to begin the FSC certification process. They joined the Jumbo Charcoal group scheme, which helps over 30 farmers to obtain FSC certification. That way, Farm Claratal is sure that his FSC charcoal will be sold to Jumbo Charcoal directly assuring him and his workers a steady income.