Fuel shortcut setting up pine forests for depletion

Pine logs. The Sale of hewn sections of the tree has become common, especially in low-income settlements. [iStockphoto]

In most peri-urban estates where firewood and charcoal is used for cooking, it is common to come across traders who are selling bundles of short sticks harvested from pine trees.

The sticks are commonly sold to people who light fires or jikos for cooking and are popular because, unlike matchsticks, they keep flames burning once lit.