Title:
Charcoal Production in Kenya. Ensuring Sustainability in Hotspots Areas
Author(s):
Wanjiru, H., Diaz-Chavez, R., Johnson, F.X.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Biomass is the main source of energy for cooking in Kenya. In 2013, 72% of the country’s total primary energy supply came from bioenergy. Charcoal provides 82% of household energy in urban areas, and 34% in rural areas. The sector employs nearly 900,000 people and contribute approximately US$1.6 annually to Kenya’s economy. Countries have tried to ban charcoal production in order to protect forests, but given that charcoal production occur mostly in the informal sector, some efforts have had little success. Since 2009, Kenya has been trying a different approach of adopting policies to formalize and support the charcoal sector. The paper examines sectoral policies and legislations that govern the biomass sector in Kenya, on-farm production of trees for charcoal production and conversion technologies. The findings are drawn from different research projects conducted in Kenya and information from stakeholders. Findings shows that joint and timely implementation of policies is key and institutions like charcoal producer associations has a role in promoting sustainable charcoal harvesting. On-farm growing of trees has multiple benefits including easing pressure on natural forests and income generation. Efficient conversion technologies need to be promoted to increase resource recovery.
Keywords:
bioenergy, charcoal, harvesting, trade, stakeholders, conversion technology
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Sustainability and socio-economic aspects
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4AV.3.4
Pages:
1373 - 1377
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-4AV.3.4
Price:
FREE
