CARBONISATION ET DÉFORESTATION À KASANGULU (RDC) : DYNAMIQUES, ENJEUX DE DURABILITÉ ET PERSPECTIVES SOCIO ENVIRONNEMENTALES

ABSTRACT Charcoal production is a major economic activity in the Kasangulu territory (Kongo Central, DRC), supplying domestic energy to Kinshasa. This study analyzes the links between charcoal production and deforestation, as well as sustainability prospects. Using a mixed-method approach (Landsat/Sentinel remote sensing, surveys of 210 households, qualitative interviews), we show that 78% of households engage in charcoal production using traditional kilns with low efficiency (12-15%). Between 2000 and 2025, the miombo woodland lost 33% of its area, with an annual deforestation rate reaching 1.91% over the 2013-2025 period. Charcoal production accounts for approximately 60% of this deforestation, making it the primary local driver. Despite a strong awareness of forest decline, attempts to adopt improved kilns or reforestation largely fail (>80% abandonment rate) due to economic, land tenure, and technical constraints. The repressive approach is ineffective. We propose six recommendations: dissemination of subsidized improved kilns, establishment of village nurseries with follow-up, land tenure security through community forests, certification of a "sustainable charcoal" label, promotion of improved cookstoves in Kinshasa, and implementation of a local observatory. The sustainability of the charcoal sector in Kasangulu is achievable provided that the prohibition logic is abandoned in favor of structured technical and financial support. Keywords : Charcoal production, deforestation, sustainability, Kasangulu, Democratic Republic of Congo, Woodfuel.