| Overview : Deadline: 28th September, 2015 - by 11:00am. Ugandan Time Pre-Bid Meeting: N/A - Refer to attached previous pre-bid meeting minutes Uganda, like most sub-Sahara African countries predominantly depends on firewood and charcoal for cooking and heating in households and institutions. Biomass-based fuels contribute over 90% of the total consumable energy, with firewood and charcoal supplying about 83% and 6% of the country’s energy balance respectively. In the recent past, the demand for charcoal has been increasing rapidly at an estimated rate of 6% per annum and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. The Uganda Population and Housing Census of 2013 revealed that there was a small reduction in households using firewood from 81.8% in 2002 to 81.0% in 2013. However, during the same period, the percentage of households using charcoal rose from 15.2% to 18.5%. This rise is attributed to a high rate of urbanization and a rapidly expanding population, as well as the ever increasing cost of using electricity. Studies also indicate that Kampala remains the biggest consumer of charcoal accounting for more than 51% of the total charcoal produced in Uganda. Charcoal is a fuel of preference because it has a higher energy density than raw wood. It is easier to handle and store than wood and can be transported to markets far away from where it is produced. On the other hand, it is substantially more efficient than wood and does not burn with much smoke when used for cooking. As a result, the majority of urban dwellers consider charcoal a relatively modern fuel and more convenient to use than firewood. However, its popularity notwithstanding, the charcoal industry remains plagued by inefficient production practices and the lack of sustainable supplies of woody biomass and inadequate/often conflicting policies. Relatedly, little is known about the contribution of this important fuel to the national economy and the development process in Uganda. Gaps also exist about the actual impacts of this industry on peoples’ livelihoods and the environment where the trees are felled, or how much is actually produced and consumed. Generally, information along the charcoal value chain is basically lacking. As a means of addressing several barriers and challenges that impede Sustainable Charcoal Production in the country, the Government of Uganda through Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in partnership with other government and non-government agencies is implementing a UNDP/GEF supported project titled: Addressing Barriers to Adoption of Improved Charcoal Production Technologies and Sustainable Land Practices through an Integrated Approach. In fulfilment of the project goals and objectives, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in partnership with UNDP is seeking the services of an experienced Consultancy Firm whose major task will be to undertake a National Charcoal Survey for Uganda. The Firm will also collect and analyze other relevant information and data along the charcoal value chain and make recommendations to enhance sustainable charcoal production and trade in the country. The survey results and findings will feed into the national statistics and aid the planning process as well as sound decision making by the relevant authorities. | 
