Simple math

I think the following statement from the bio energy list explains why making biochar is so important:
" A common Miombo forest in Africa will give about 3 ton wood per ha a year. 3 ton of dry wood will give 800 kg of charcoal. A household of 5 consume 2-3 kg charcoal a day or about 800 kg a year. To produce 3 kg of charcoal you need 10-12 kg of dry fire wood in a common kiln. That will give one day cooking on a charcoal stove, and almost no biochar. 10-12kg dry chopped wood will give 3 days of cooking on a TLUD-ND or another FES and 2.5 kg of biochar" -Paal Wendelobo

The main message is: Stop making coal for burning and instead use dry wood for cooking while making biochar simultaneously.  Less polution and more cooking value.