SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN SOUTH GEM SUB-COUNTY, SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Charcoal production is a source of income to many rural dwellers in Kenya. There are, however, several social, economic and environmental cost associated with its production. This study was conducted to assess the impact of charcoal production and the level of adoption of sustainable forest management practices in the South Gem Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya. Data were collected through questionnaire administration on 377 respondents in 6 village, key informant interviews with officials of four Government Departments, and field observations. Land use maps for years 1998, 2008 and 2018 were used to determine changes in land use in the Sub-County. Findings indicated that charcoal production was being carried out with traditional earth kilns largely by relatively young adults, 70.3% of whom were in the 20 – 39 years age, 60.6% of whom had no more than primary education, and 59% of whom were male. Some of the tree species commonly used for charcoal production had been depleted. Majority (55 %) of the respondent charcoal producers had a relatively low monthly income of Ksh. 1000-3000. Coughing was mentioned by 38% of the respondent producers as a common health challenge. Notable environmental impacts included soil erosion, loss of forest cover and biodiversity, and change in micro-climate.  However, the adoption of sustainable forest practices and modern charcoal production methods had started. This trend may eventually help in ameliorating the noted negative impacts. To facilitate the adoption of modern technology, it was recommended that the charcoal producers be encouraged to form co-operative associations.