The deforestation of Senegal is an on going battle. An astonishing increase in population over the past 47 years has lead to an increase in the amount of land under cultivation, and the rising demand for firewood and charcoal. Senegal loses about 350,000 hectares of its forests annually to fires that are frequently started to clear land for farming, and clear-cut to meet heating and cooking needs.
During the colonial era, dropped to less than 20 trees per hectare. This situation can spell disaster in a country already at a disadvantage because of scarce, sporadic rains, and where drought is a permanent threat. The Senegalese government has tried to limit forest exploitation for domestic needs through initiatives to improve household energy use and to promote the use of gas, along with raising the price of firewood and charcoal. Firewood and charcoal provide for 63 percent of the country's energy requirements, while petrol imports cover the remaining 37 percent (Michée).