African population draws its enerry from fuelwooc ana animal wastes, relyinc on oil-derived products fer liphtinf only. In 1980, Africa consumed 125.8 million tonnes of fuelwood, charcoal and barasse, or 289.4 kiloerams of coal equivalent per head aeainst 203 kilOframs of comffiercial energy. 128. The collection and processinr cf traditional fuels is a woman 's task in most African societies, and entails a consider­ able amount of work. The extent to which a majority of the population is still livine in primitive conditions can be seen in the Ivory C cast, where despite consi oe rable success in rural electrification, only 47.8 rer cent of the total population was connectec to the national prio in 1979. Statistics on non- commercial enerry are of poor ouality, but in most African countries it may account fer 50 per cent of the total enerey balance, if not more. In fact in Chac, Ethiopia, I'lalawi, Mali, Nieeria, the United Republic of Tanzania anc the Upper Volta, fuelwood and animal wastes represent more than 90 per cent of to­tal enerry consumption. With increasinr oil prices, it has be­ come mere and more eYpensive for rural anc poor families to rely on hydrocarbons fer cookinp anc liehtinp purroses, and consump­ tion has shiftec back to tra.ditional fuels. However, in many areas, especially in the Sahel, the collection of wood for fuel is becominf more and more costly because of forest depletion. Even in areas where forests are abundant, as in Zaire, collection of fuelwood arour.d cities is increasin[:ly difficult and preater oistances have to be travelled tc fino it. As a result fueh1ood 70 E/ECA /CN. 9/5 prices have sharply increased. In orcer tc deal with the alarm­ ing rates of deforestation, Governments have in some cases intro- ,duced measures to control tree fellin6 anc charcoal makin£, while 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the reliance of African populations on traditional fuels such as fuelwood and animal wastes, and the challenges associated with this, including deforestation, rising prices, and the impact on rural and poor families. The text also touches on the issue of access to electricity and energy in general. These themes suggest a strong connection to the environment and natural resources, as well as the economic development and living conditions of African populations.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Economic development