Assessment of Sustainable Charcoal Production in Kenyan Drylands: a Case of Marigat Sub County

Abstract

Charcoal is an important source of cooking energy for many households in Kenya. However, overharvesting of trees and use of inefficient technologies contributes to unsustainable charcoal production. This problem is compounded by increased preferences and demand for charcoal from specific indigenous trees resulting to immense pressure on Kenyan drylands. However, recent studies have shown that Prosopis juliflora produces high calorific value charcoal and can be used as a management tool for its invasiveness. Using producers from Marigat sub county, this study sought to assess sustainability of charcoal production in Kenyan drylands. Specifically, the study aimed to; i) characterize charcoal production systems in Marigat sub county, ii) assess the environmental impact of charcoal production systems in Marigat sub county, and iii) evaluate how the existing policy and institutional framework support sustainable charcoal production systems in Marigat sub county. To accomplish these objectives, the study used a random sample of 332 charcoal producer households. Findings indicated that the dominant charcoal production system encompasses 100% of producers using traditional earth kiln and 70% practice clear harvesting encouraging mass utilization of the invasive Prosopis juliflora. Therefore, these findings could help to design effective production systems that incoperates both the charcoal sector policies and regulations as well as assist to address the menace of the invasive prosopis juliflora on the environment. In addition, the policies reviewed recognize charcoal as an important source of energy and are geared towards sustainable charcoal production. However, a review of the Energy Act, 2006 will help the Energy regulatory Commission (ERC) to establish codes that will be fundamental in charcoal certification hence protecting tree species facing extinction and encourage utilization of charcoal from Prosopis juliflora.