Editor’s choice
Editor’s choice
Charcoal meets the cooking energy needs of over 80% of Kenya’s urban population. And the growing gap between supply and demand of the commodity will only expand unless action is taken. Imports from neighbouring countries fill some of this gap, but not all. This brief discusses routes ahead.
Through a mix of regulation, promotion of improved kilns and cookstoves, and support of alternative fuels, Kenya seeks a dual approach of increasing the sustainability of charcoal production, trade and consumption, while also providing opportunities for fuel switching. This brief explores the barriers to achieving a more sustainable charcoal sector.
Man on motorbike delivering sacks of charcoal. Photo: SEI.
These include:
The authors conclude that coordinated efforts are required to strengthen the capacity of the implementing entities and charcoal producer associations, and to ensure that the enforcing agencies speak to each other in order to address any concerns that may be raised by actors in the market chain.
In the long-term, other, cleaner and more sustainable fuels may replace charcoal. But in the short-and medium-term, investments in sustainability of this important urban fuel are imperative to ensure that Kenya’s natural forest resources are responsibly managed.
SEI brief / Kenya has pledged to reduce emissions while achieving development aspirations. We discuss potential low-carbon energy pathways and key strategies for success.
Other publication / Biofuels offer clear environmental benefits over fossil and biomass household fuels – but how do they affect the wider lives of farmers and users?
SEI brief / How can geothermal development to stimulate the economy in Kenya be matched by benefit-sharing with local communities, conservation and local development?
