Household energy demand in Zimbabwean urban centres has led to massive deforestation on the outskirts of these
settlements as residents search for wood fuel, in the wake of prevailing power cuts and load shedding strategies. This
study examines the city of Masvingo, which is currently facing this problem. It is based on surveys that were conducted
between September 2007 and October 2008. Four methods were used in the collection of data namely: literature review,
questionnaire interviews, field surveys and measurements. The study shows that rapid rates of deforestation are currently
underway on the outskirts of Rujeko C Extension, one of the low-income residential areas. They range from 11% to 85%
with an average of 38% in the surveyed areas. This has led to desertification and land degradation in general, which are
threats to bio-diversity and the natural environment. Several solutions are proposed for the achievement of sustainable
development at city level. They include: the development of thermal, hydro-electricity, solar and wind energy sources as
well as the development of energy-saving meters.