dc.description.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. | en_US |