Abstract Narrative This doctoral dissertation project will support an investigation of the organization and operation of the charcoal industry in the African nation of Senegal. Fieldwork will focus on the ways people at all levels of the production and distribution process are rewarded for the tasks they perform, and on how their tasks or functions are related to other parts of the industry. The purpose of the project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the environmental policies that have been adopted in Senegal to conserve forest resources. The investigators believe that policies designed to stem urban woodfuel demand and limit charcoal production have not only failed, but have accelerated the destruction of forest resources. Depletion of forest resources because of demands for fuel is a serious problem in many third-world nations. This project will increase our understanding of the problem in Senegal and in similar nations. It will also deepen our understanding of the effectiveness of conservation policies and programs.
