Illegality in the forest sector is a major threat to forest and tree resources. Governments have responded by imposing more regulations and restrictions, with little consideration given to motivations for noncompliance. In Kenya, the Forest (Charcoal) Rules 2009 – while considered significant progress toward regulating the industry – have failed to elicit sufficient compliance to formalize the value chain and stem illegality.
This study aimed to investigate the mandates, capacities, motivations and drivers for compliance by members of charcoal producer associations (CPAs), while examining the incentive mechanisms required to increase compliance in the charcoal value chains in Baringo and Kitui counties in Kenya. The study found that CPA members were engaged in the charcoal business mainly due to a lack of alternative livelihoods.
Most producers indicated they had little or no knowledge of the charcoal rules, but they complied due to fear of arrest or fines, and due to their own personal values. Poverty, livelihood systems, the capacity of regulatory authorities, and corruption were the key external factors influencing the decision not to comply. Capacity building and the strengthening of CPAs were seen as incentives for compliance. • The Forest Charcoal Rules are an innovative legislative framework for regulating and formalizing charcoal production and trade in Kenya. However, there is an urgent need for new mechanisms that will empower CPAs. Further analysis of motivations of charcoal value-chain actors would generate invaluable evidence to inform policy and practice in the subsector.
Tag: Kenya
The charcoal value chain in Kenya: Actors, practices and trade flows in selected sites
The charcoal sub-sector is one of the most important sources of energy in Kenya, especially in urban areas. The sub-sector has been reported to be worth billions of dollars in market value. Between 40-75% of the charcoal is produced in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) using inefficient processing technologies and unsustainable tree harvesting practices. Given the critical role the sub-sector plays in energy provision and economic development, this study sought to assess the charcoal value chain to understand: i) actors and their motivation for engagement; ii) production technologies and processes; iii) the economics of product flow among different actors at different stages of the value chain; and iv) factors influencing performance in the value chain