Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production ... - Pisces

Sustainable Tree Management 

for Charcoal Production 

Acacia Species in Kenya 

Acacia Pocketbook 

June 2012 

Prepared for PISCES by Practical Action Consulting East Africa

Although this research is funded by DFID, the views expressed in this 

report are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent 

DFID’s own policies or views. Any discussion of their content should 

therefore be addressed to the authors and not to DFID. 

Authors: Nellie M. Oduor (Kenya Forestry Research Institute - KEFRI), 

Wairimu Ngugi and Tameezan wa Gathui (Practical Action 

Consulting East Africa - PAC EA). 

Editors: Ewan Bloomfield and Katie Welford (PAC UK); Hannah Wanjiru 

(PAC EA). 

Cover images: Main: Acacia polyacantha woodlot at 2½ years (spacing 

2.5 x 2.5 metres) in Rarieda, Nyanza (Wairimu Ngugi/PAC). 

All images: Practical Action Consulting, unless otherwise stated. 

Abbreviations 

ACTS African Centre for Technology Studies 

DFID Department for International Development 

FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation 

g/cm3 Grams per cubic metre 

KFS Kenya Forest Service 

KEFRI Kenya Forestry Research Institute 

kj/g Kilojoules per gram 

Ksh Kenya shilling 

PAC Practical Action Consulting 

PISCES Policy Innovation Systems for Clean Energy Security 

UK United Kingdom 

UN United Nations 

US$ United States Dollar 

Acknowledgements 

This publication was prepared through a participatory process led by PAC and KEFRI 

through the Policy Innovation Systems for Clean Energy Security (PISCES) project. PAC 

and KEFRI appreciate various stakeholders who have shared their practical experiences 

on feedstock management for charcoal production. We also thank various stakeholders 

for their collaboration especially Dr. Joseph Githiomi (Centre Director, KEFRI Forest 

Products Research Centre Karura); Kenya Forest Service (KFS), PAC UK, Practical Action 

Regional Office for East Africa and International Network on Gender and Sustainable 

Energy (ENERGIA – Kenya Network). 

2 Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production 

Contents 

Acknowledgements 2 

Acronyms and Abbreviations 2 

Introduction 4 

Species Selection for Sustainable Charcoal Production 5 

Species choice in Kenya 5 

Suitable woody species for woodfuel in Kenya 6 

Characteristics of Acacias 6 

Calorific value of wood 7 

Tree Farming and Management Practices 8 

Basic inputs for tree farming 8 

Seed collection and storage 8 

Certified seeds 9 

Farm preparation 9 

Seed treatment and sowing 10 

Steps in seedling planting 10 

Tree management practices 11 

Tree harvesting techniques, tools and implements 12 

Processing Technologies 14 

Methods of charcoal production 14 

Casamance kiln 14 

The half orange kiln 14 

The meko kiln 15 

The drum kiln 15 

How to use the drum kiln 16 

Gender equity for sustainable charcoal production 17 

References 18 

Appendices 20 

Appendix 1: List of KEFRI Regional Centres and Sub Centres 20 

Appendix 2: List of KEFRI Approved Tree Seed Stockists 21 

Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production 3

Introduction 

This publication shares information on tree growing and management for sustainable 

charcoal production. It focuses on Acacia species with emphasis on Acacia 

polyacantha and Acacia xanthophloea. Both species are native to a majority of 

the arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya, including parts of Bondo, western Kenya, 

where Practical Action is undertaking much of its work on sustainable charcoal. 

The publication also highlights the importance of promoting gender equity as a vital 

component for supporting grassroots communities to achieve sustainable charcoal 

production through fair sharing of resources and benefits by both men and women. 

The publication has been developed through a participatory process led by PAC and 

KEFRI through PISCES project. It seeks to support implementation of the current 

charcoal policy and compliance requirements and is part of a series of publications 

developed by PISCES to create awareness on the Forest (Charcoal) Rules, 2009. 

Charcoal is a key bioenergy resource and source of energy in Kenya, providing 

82 percent of urban and 34 percent of rural household energy, employment 

and income for over 700,000 people who support over two million dependants. 

Demand for charcoal is fast increasing due to population growth, increased 

urbanization and the development of cottage industries. 

Charcoal is produced from trees grown in forests, woodlands, bush lands, 

grasslands, farmlands and plantations. Although the Energy and Forestry Policies 

and Acts have recently legalized sustainable charcoal production, numerous 

challenges still affect the industry, while its true value is not adequately captured 

in national economic statistics. Increased charcoal consumption and the use of 

traditional kilns have resulted in increased destruction and depletion of national 

tree resources. For example every tonne of charcoal produced through a traditional 

kiln depletes approximately 0.1 hectare of woodland. An efficient kiln would require 

only 0.05 hectares for every tonne of charcoal produced, a 50% saving. This 

calls for tree growing aimed at sustainable on-farm / community level charcoal 

production and widespread adoption of efficient wood conversion technologies. 

Tree growing for charcoal production at the farm / community level involves 

both men and women in different roles and responsibilities and with different 

levels of access to and control over production resources including land, water, 

labour and financial inputs. Men and women also have different levels of access 

and control over benefits derived from charcoal production. This necessitates 

awareness creation and information sharing on the need for gender equity as a 

vital component of promoting sustainable charcoal production. 

Species Selection for Sustainable 

Charcoal Production 

Species choice in Kenya 

Species selection, climatic conditions, tree growth rate and management 

practices are some of the most critical factors in sustainable charcoal 

production. Generally, all species of wood can be carbonized to produce 

charcoal. However, the quality of charcoal varies from species to species and 

the method of carbonisation. 

Species that produce high quality charcoal include Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia 

mearnsii, Acacia polyacantha, Acacia xanthophloea, Acacia spectabilis, Eucalyptus 

camaldulensis, Leuceana leucocephala, Tectona grandis, Sesbania sesban and other 

Acacia and Combretum species. These species are preferred mostly because they 

produce heavy charcoal that burns for a long time, making it economical to use. 

Characteristics of tree species which are suitable for wood fuel production 

• Grow quickly, yield a high volume of wood quickly, and require minimum 

management time. 

• Coppice or sprout well from shoots. 

• Have dense wood with low moisture content. 

• Produce little and non-toxic smoke. 

• Produce wood that splits easily and can easily be transported. 

• Produce wood without thorns.* 

• Yield other products or services for the household. 

• Produce wood that does not spit or spark when burning. 

Source: Hines and Eckman (1993) 

*However there are many thorny tree species that are suitable for woodfuel production, 

for example Acacia polyacantha and Acacia xanthophloea, among others. 

A farmer with 6 – 10 hectares of land can produce charcoal on a sustainable 

basis by harvesting a hectare every year for a rotation age of six years. Every 

year one hectare will be harvested and similarly one hectare planted with the 

same tree species. 

4 Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production 5

Suitable woody species for wood fuel in Kenya 

Acacia brevispica 

Acacia bussei 

Acacia drepanolobium 

Acacia gerardii 

Acacia hockii 

Acacia lahai 

Acacia mellifera 

Acacia nilotica 

Acacia nubica 

Acacia reficiens 

Acacia senegal 

Acacia seyal 

Acacia tortilis 

Acacia xanthophloea 

Afzelia quanzensis 

Albizia amara 

Albizia anthelmintica 

Balanites aegyptiaca 

Barleria spinisepala 

Bauhinia taitensis 

Boscia angustifolia 

Combretum apiculata 

Combretum brownii 

Combretum constrictum 

Combretum hereroensii 

Combretum molle 

Commiphora africana 

Terminalia spinosa 

Sources: Kareko, K. K. and Githiomi, J. (2000); Barklund, E. and Palmstiema, M. (2005). 

Characteristics of Acacias 

Commiphora schimperi 

Croton dichogamus 

Dalbergia melanoxylon 

Euclea divinorum 

Grewia bicolor 

Grewia plagiophylla 

Grewia similis 

Grewia vilosa 

Maytenus species 

Olea europaea variant africana 

Prosopis juliflora 

Prosopis pallida 

Tarchonanthus camphoratus 

Terminalia brownii 

Acacia is a pod-bearing group of shrubs and trees that tend to be thorny, hence 

they are also known as thorn-trees. Acacias are also known as wattles, including 

the yellow-fever acacia and umbrella acacias. There are roughly 1,300 species of 

Acacia worldwide, about 960 of which are native to Australia, with the remainder 

spread around the tropical to warm temperate regions of both hemispheres, 

including Africa, southern Asia, and the Americas. 

One of the fastest growing thorn trees is Acacia xanthophloea, a large tree that 

is 15 to 25 metres tall with a growth rate of 1 to 1.5 metres per year. The bark 

is smooth, slightly flaking and yellow to greenish-yellow. It is found in semievergreen 

bushland and woodland in areas with a high groundwater table and 

sandy soils. The species can withstand cold and is found at altitudes ranging 

from 600 – 2100 metres. One cubic metre of Acacia xanthophloea wood 

produces three bags of charcoal. 

Acacia polyacantha is a large deciduous tree that grows up to a height of 3.5 to 

20 metres; the bark is yellow-brown and inclined to be thick or peeling in thick, 

corky flakes and loose strips. It grows in wooded grasslands, woodlands and 

bushlands, thriving in sites with high groundwater table and alluvial soils with a 

good mix of clay and sand. The species grows from sea level to an altitude of 

1800 metres and does well with a mean annual rainfall of 300 - 1000 millimetres. 

Calorific value of wood 

The calorific value for wood ranges from 3.5 to 5 kilojoules per gram (kj/g) and 

for charcoal it ranges between 5 to 9 kj/g. Calorific value is the amount of heat 

produced by the complete combustion of a fuel. The value is used to determine 

the efficiency and effectiveness of different types of fuels. Calorific value is 

measured in units of energy per quantity of fuel, e.g. kg/g, while density of wood 

is the weight of wood per volume, e.g. grams per cubic metre (g/cm 3 ). 

Calorific value of wood and charcoal from selected tree species 

Species Density of the wood 

(g/cm 3 ) 

Calorific value of wood 

(kj/g) 

Calorific value of 

charcoal (kj/g) 

Acacia mearnsii 0.775 3.7 7.4 

Acacia nilotica 0.624 4.9 7.3 

Acacia polyacantha 0.467 4.0 6.5 

Acacia xanthophloea 0.532 4.4 7.9 

Casuarina equisetifolia 0.820 5.0 7.7 

Commiphora africana 0.331 4.8 6.9 

Commiphora baluensis 0.541 4.4 6.6 

Commiphora campestris 0.388 4.2 6.9 

Eucalyptus grandis 0.790 4.5 7.5 

Eucalyptus maculata 0.603 – 7.4 

Grevillea robusta 0.530 – 7.2 

Markhamia lutea 0.356 – 8.1 

Senna spectabilis 0.337 – 8.0 

Terminalia brownii 0.445 4.6 7.3 

Terminalia orbicularis 0.685 5.1 5.9 

Prosopis juliflora 0.891 4.9 7.9 

Prospopis pallida 0.834 4.9 7.8 

Source: Oduor, Nellie M. (2005). 


Tree Farming and Management Practices 

Basic inputs for tree farming 

• Land and water. 

• Labour for land preparation. 

• Tree nursery (establishment and management). 

• Labour for tree planting, weeding and management. 

• Tree protection. 

Generally, trees require minimum inputs after planting compared to agricultural 

crops. However, weeding and protection against grazing, trampling and browsing 

by animals and trespass or destruction by humans is important for optimum yields. 

Other factors which affect successful establishment are fire, pests and diseases. 

Labour inputs for plantation establishment and management (especially for Acacia species) 

Activity Labour input in person days / hectare 

Clearing and land preparation 20 

Raising and transporting seedlings 4 

Planting 15 

Weeding and maintenance 24 

Source: Jurvélius, M. (1997). 

Seed collection and storage 

Flowering of most Acacias is dependent on the rains. The seeding period occurs 

approximately six months after flowering. On average Acacia xanthophloea 

produces 24,000 to 30,000 seeds per kilogramme while Acacia polyacantha 

produces 15,000 seeds per kilogramme. 

Tips on seed collection and storage 

• Collect mature brownish pods from the crowns of standing trees by shaking 

the branches to release the pods. 

• Split the pods by hands to obtain small quantities of seeds. 

• Store mature and properly dried seeds in airtight containers at room 

temperature for up to one year. 

Certified seeds 

Certified tree seeds are recommended for best germination results. Seed 

certification is a legally sanctioned and internationally recognized system for 

quality control of seed multiplication and production. Certification ensures that 

tree growers have access to high quality seeds and propagating materials of 

known genetic identity and purity, with high germination rates and freedom from 

weed seeds. KEFRI, through its Tree Seed Programme is mandated to produce 

tree seeds that are collected from selected and approved tree sources. Certified 

tree seeds can be obtained from KEFRI Regional Centers and Sub-Centers 

distributed in Kenya as listed on Appendix 1. KEFRI has also contracted treeseed 

stockists in Kenya as listed on Appendix 2. 

Acacia Species Local price 

(Ksh) 

Approximate price per kilogramme of certified Acacia seeds 

Export price 

(US$) 

Acacia Species Local price 

(Ksh) 

Export 

price (US$) 

Acacia brevispica 1000 40 Acacia nilotica 800 40 

Acacia drepanolobium 1000 40 Acacia nubica 600 40 

Acacia elatior 1200 40 Acacia polyacantha 1500 40 

Acacia gerrardii 1000 40 Acacia reficiens 800 50 

Acacia hockii 800 40 Acacia senegal 1500 40 

Acacia lahai 600 40 Acacia seyal 1500 40 

Acacia mangium 1000 150 Acacia sieberiana 1000 40 

Acacia mearnsii 800 40 Acacia tortilis 1500 40 

Acacia melanoxylon 1000 50 Acacia xanthophloea 3000 40 

Acacia melifera 1500 50 Acacia zanzibarica 800 50 

Source: KEFRI (2010). 


Farm preparation 

• Site selection: Most Acacias are accustomed to drought in their native habitat 

and should be planted in areas with well-drained soil. If the soil is not well 

drained, the Acacia can be planted on a gentle slope or hill top. The majority 

of Acacias can grow in acidic, neutral or alkaline soils. For optimum growth, 

plant the Acacias in full sunlight. 

• Land preparation: Start land preparation before the onset of the rains to 

remove weeds. Weeds inverted during ploughing dry up and decompose, 

adding nutrients to the soil. Proper soil preparation ensures the soil surface 

and hard pans are broken to improve water infiltration, soil aeration and easy 

root penetration into the soil substrate. 

Seed treatment and sowing 

• Acacia seeds can be sown in seedling trays or directly in the field. To achieve 

high germination and seedling survival rates, establish the tree nursery or sow 

the seeds directly during the rainy season. 

• Pre-sowing treatment: 

• Nick the seed coat at the cotyledon end using a knife or any other sharp tool 

and sow immediately; 

or 

• Soak the seed in hot water, cool overnight and sow the next morning. 

• When sowing cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand and keep moist (water 

the seedling trays / beds during dry spells). Under ideal conditions germination 

occurs within 5 to 15 days for Acacia xanthophloea and 10 to 21 days for 

Acacia polyacantha. The expected germination rate for mature, healthy and 

properly treated seed is 40% to 90% for Acacia xanthophloea and 60% to 

90% for Acacia polyacantha. 

Seedling planting and management 

• Start tree planting at the beginning of the long rains i.e. after approximately 

100 millimetres of steady rainfall. 

• Transplant seedlings after they have grown to the 2-leaf stage from seedling 

trays or nursery beds into nursery bags filled with a mixture of five parts river 

sand and one part compost (ratio of 5:1). 

• Spacing is the most important aspect in the establishment of forest plantations 

because it correlates to the success of the forest plantation in terms of 

maintenance, stand stability, quality of wood and investment. For short 

rotation forestry for charcoal production, a minimum of 2 metres by 2 metres 

spacing is recommended. Clear felling is recommended for tree rows that are 

more closely spaced (e.g. 1 metre by 1 metre) because the remaining trees if 

selectively harvested would be too weak or unstable to remain upright. 

Steps in seedling planting 

Step 1 Make a hole measuring 45 centimetres wide by 45 centimetres 

deep. Separate the top soil from the subsoil when digging the hole. 

Step 2 Mix the top soil with manure. 

Step 3 Place the seedling inside the hole and cover with the mixture of top 

soil and manure. 

Step 4 Gently firm the soil all around the roots. 

Step 5 After planting use the subsoil to make a basin for water retention 

around the seedling. 

Step 6 Water the seedling. 

• To achieve high survival rates tree seedlings should be planted during the rainy 

season when watering is not necessary. However, if possible watering should be 

done immediately after planting. If there is no rainfall during the first week after 

planting, watering is necessary for achievement of a survival rate of over 70%. 

• Beating up or replanting to replace any dead seedlings should be done either 

during the following planting season or when there is enough moisture build 

up in the soil. 


Tree management practices 

• Weeding: During the first two years, Acacias can be intercropped with 

agricultural crops such as maize, beans, groundnuts and chilli pepper. Besides 

reducing the cost of weeding this will ensure the trees benefit from weeding 

while the crops will in turn benefit from the nitrogen fixing qualities of Acacias. 

Regular spot weeding of 1 metre diameter around the seedling should be 

carried for trees that are not intercropped with agricultural crops to remove 

excessive vegetation until the trees form a canopy. 

• Pests and disease control: Acacias contain organic compounds which act 

as natural repellents that defend / protect them against pests and grazing 

animals. The thorny nature of most Acacias is also a defence mechanism 

against browsing by animals. Some of the insect pests affecting trees in arid 

and semi-arid regions include termites, defoliators, sap suckers, seed and 

wood borer. 

• Coppicing: Leaving a short stump of a felled tree to encourage re-growth 

is known as coppicing. Re-growth from a cut tree stump or the base of a 

damaged stem is known as a ‘coppice’. 

To manage a coppice, select about four dominant branches and remove the 

other smaller/weaker branches. These can further be reduced to two or three 

branches within the year. 

Example of a coppicing Acacia polyacantha 

(Nellie M. Oduor, KEFRI) 

Labour inputs for plantation establishment and management (especially for Acacia species) 

Activity Labour input in person days / hectare 

Clearing and land preparation 20 

Raising and transporting seedlings 4 

Planting 15 

Weeding and maintenance 24 

Source: Jurvélius, M. (1997). 

Selected pests of Acacia species and control measures 

Host Pest Nature of attack Control measures 

Acacia nilotica Brichiduis baudoni Seed borer BHC fumigation 

Acacridium melanorhodon Defoliator Diazinon 

Pediosus species Seed borer BHC fumigation 

Acacia polyacantha Oemida gahani Wood borer Correct pruning 

Acacia seyal 

Acacia xanthophloea 

Triozastus baghaasi Wood borer BHC preservative 

Acacia tortilis Sphadasmus species Wood borer Diazinon 

Source: adapted from Muok et al., 2007. 

Bruchidius longipennis Defoliator BHC preservative 

Tips on pests and diseases control 

• Carefully read and follow the label precautions and directions for all 

pesticides, fumigants, preservatives and other chemicals applied for 

disease and pests control. 

• For further information / assistance on tree pests and diseases control 

contact KEFRI Regional Centres and Sub-Centres, KFS County and 

Zonal Offices and authorised forestry and agricultural extension agents. 


Tree harvesting techniques, tools and implements 

Handling both Acacia xanthophloea and Acacia polyacantha requires the use of 

protective gear (e.g. boots and hand gloves) due to the thorny characteristics 

of these species, particularly the tops of Acacia xanthophloea and stems of 

Acacia polyacantha. Tree harvesting should be done using methods, tools and 

implements that minimise damage to the surrounding site and soil. 

Tools and implements for harvesting wood 

Description of tool or implement Purpose of tool or implement 

Wheel barrow Transportation of wood 

2-man crosscut saw (5-6’)* Wood cutting 

Professional bow saw, 36”* Wood cutting 

Logging axe Cutting of wood 

Whetstone Metal (tools) sharpening 

Machete, rake Clearing of biomass, branches 

Metal file, 6-10” Saw and other sharpening 

Safety helmet Head protection 

Steel toed safety boots Leg and feet protection 

First aid kit First aid 

Pair of working gloves Protection of hands 

Ladder Pollarding of branches of thorny trees 

*For harvesting plantation grown wood. 

Source: Adapted from Jurvélius, M. (1997). 

General rules for sustainable harvesting of forest plantations 

1 Harvest using methods that minimise damage to the planted site and surrounding soil. 

2 • Use chainsaws for big trees. For small trees use bow saws, cross-cut saws or handsaws. 

• Cut trees as low as possible and carefully control the felling direction 

(e.g. from uphill to the road into existing gaps). 

• Minimise the number of logging pathways and amount of movement inside the plantation. 

• Suspend logging during wet periods. 

3 • The use of animals such as donkeys to ferry harvested trees is ideal to minimise damage to the soil on 

steep slopes. 

• The use of a small farm tractor is possible on gentle slopes. 

• A portable sawmill can be used to saw up cut logs at the harvesting site. 

4 Stream side buffer strips of at least 20 metres on either side of the stream should be maintained. 

Source: Adapted from Maua, J. and Ngazi, J. (2009). 

Processing Technologies 

Methods of charcoal production 

The three most common methods of charcoal production are earth kilns, 

masonry kilns and metal kilns. 

• Earth kilns are of various types but the most common are the traditional earth 

kiln, improved earth kiln and the Casamance kiln. 

• Masonry kilns are usually of the beehive and half orange type; they are 

recommended for charcoal conversion in areas where fuelwood is available 

for prolonged periods, such as in large-scale land clearing or in fuelwood 

plantations. 

• Metal kilns include the drum kiln, meko kiln and Mark V type. 

Casamance kiln 

The kiln has a chimney at the back and air-lets or channels at the side. The wood 

is cut into pieces measuring 0.5 metres long which are arranged upright and 

covered, first with grass or foliage and then soil before lighting. Carbonisation 

takes 2-3 days depending on the size of kiln. 

Left: Wood arranged upright for Casamance kiln 

(Nellie M. Oduor, KEFRI) 

Right: Lighting the Casamance kiln after covering the 

wood. The metal chimney is visible at the back of the 

kiln (Nellie M. Oduor, KEFRI). 


The half orange kiln 

The kiln is made of brick and covered for protection from rain. The wood is 

packed inside the kiln through a doorway, which is then sealed halfway up. 

The wood is lit and once it has caught fire the doorway is completely sealed. 

Carbonisation takes 2 to 3 days depending on the size of kiln. 

Left to right: Wood arranged tightly inside the half orange kiln, and sealing the door way of the kiln 

(Nellie M. Oduor, KEFRI). 

The meko kiln 

A new meko kiln belonging to Masanga Women Group 

in Madiany, Bondo (PAC). 

This is a modified drum that has two 

chambers and two metal doors; the 

inner chamber is for carbonization 

while the outer chamber is for firing. 

The wood is cut into pieces measuring 

0.8 metres long and packed into the 

modified drum kiln. After closing the 

doorway of the inner chamber the 

wood in the outer chamber is lit and 

the kiln’s metal door is closed. The 

carbonization process takes 10 hours 

while cooling takes 3 hours. 

The drum kiln 

The drum kiln is made from an ordinary 

oil drum. The kiln has a removable lid 

and a detachable metal ring which 

joins the lid to the drum. The ring has 

an adjustable screw which tightens the 

lid to the drum. The drum is modified 

by welding a short metal pipe that 

acts as a chimney onto the drum. 

The bottom side of the chimney has a 

diameter of 6 centimetres. A separate 

metal grill is constructed to fit inside 

the bottom of the kiln. The metal grill 

prevents fuelwood from touching the 

bottom of the drum, thus providing 

air circulation within the kiln during the 

process of carbonisation. 

A drum kiln with feedstock (KFS). 

The carbonization process takes 6 to 12 hours giving a charcoal recovery rate of 

32% to 38% which is 3 to 4 times more than recovery from the traditional earth 

kiln. the drum kiln has a capacity of 0.4 cubic metres of wood and yields about 

3/4 of a bag of charcoal. It is most suitable for domestic charcoal production 

using small diameter stems or tree branches. 


How to use the drum kiln 

(Nellie M. Oduor, KEFRI). 

Step 1 Cut the wood into pieces measuring 80 

centimetres in length and split thicker logs into 

pieces measuring 6 to 10 centimetres in diameter. 

Step 2 Place the metal grill inside the kiln and stack 

dried wood onto the metal grill until the kiln is 

fully loaded. 

Step 3 Close the loaded drum with the lid which has a 

firing door and cover the kiln with soil, leaving 

the firing door uncovered. 

Step 4 Stack small pieces of wood at the firing section 

and light the kiln. Allow the wood pieces at the 

lighting section to burn until the wood inside 

the drum catches fire and the chimney starts 

emitting smoke. 

Step 5 Cover the firing door with soil. 

Step 6 Remove the chimney when clear blue smoke 

is emitted thus indicating the wood is fully 

carbonized. 

Step 7 Seal the chimney holder with grass and soil. 

Leave the drum to cool for 12-24 hours before 

removing the charcoal. 

Gender equity for sustainable charcoal production 

The aim of promoting gender equity is to ensure fair sharing of resources and 

benefits by both men and women involved in charcoal production, including 

raising tree seedlings, and the distribution and marketing process, particularly 

at the small-scale community level. 

The key issues to address in promoting gender equity in the charcoal sector 

include: 

• Cultural attitudes and barriers that inhibit women’s participation in decision 

making processes at the household and community levels. These barriers 

limit women’s access to and control over tree production resources such as 

land and labour. They also inhibit women’s ability to use and benefit from tree 

resources. For instance, due to the prevailing land tenure system in many 

Kenyan communities land is traditionally owned by men. Women have user 

rights to land but these rights are often determined by husbands or male 

relatives. This inhibits women’s access to land and water for tree production. 

Similarly, women have limited access to tree tenure. 

• Access to financial resources and credit for charcoal entrepreneurship 

determines the level of men and women’s participation in the charcoal sector. 

Land is often used as collateral for loan facilities. Lack of land ownership 

therefore limits women’s ability to access credit for investing in charcoal 

enterprise. 

• Gender roles and responsibilities at the community and household levels, 

which determine the division of labour thus impacting on men’s and women’s 

relationship to natural resources, e.g. access to labour for tree growing, 

charcoal production and marketing. 

Strategies for promoting gender equity in the charcoal sector include: 

• Awareness raising and information sharing on the need for gender equity as a 

vital component of sustainable tree management for charcoal production; 

• Lobby and advocacy at the community and national levels to increase 

women’s access to and control over tree and charcoal production resources; 

• Establishment of small-scale revolving funds and credit facilities for charcoal 

producers to support resource poor farmers, especially women. 


References 

Barklund, E. and Palmstiema, M. (2005). Charcoal production and processing 

in Kenya: opportunities for improving supply. A RELMA and KEFRI Report. 

ESDA -Energy for Sustainable Development Africa (2005). National Charcoal 

Survey: Exploring the potential for a sustainable charcoal industry in Kenya. A 

product of the Kenya Charcoal Working Group. June 2005. Pgs 74 

Delahunty, A. (2011). Gender Equity, Charcoal and the Value Chain in Western 

Kenya. PISCES Working Brief. Centre for African Studies, University of 

Edinburgh. 

ENERGIA – Kenya Network (2012). National Training Workshop on 

Mainstreaming Gender in Energy Projects in Kenya. Workshop Report. Practical 

Action East Africa Regional Office. 

FAO Forestry Paper 63, (1985). Industrial Charcoal Making. Mechanical Wood 

Products Branch, Forest Industries Division. Food and Agriculture Organisation 

(FAO) Forestry Department. FAO UN Rome 1985. www.fao.org/docrep 

Hines D.A. and Eckman, K. 1993). Indigenous multipurpose trees of Tanzania: 

uses and economic benefits for people. ISBN 0-9697075-0-9 

http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/seed_certification 

http://www.kefri.org/seed.aspx 

Jurvélius, M. (1997). Labour-intensive harvesting of tree plantations in the 

southern Philippines. Forest Harvesting Case-Study 9. Food and Agriculture 

Organization of The United Nations Bangkok, Thailand, 1997 http://www.fao.org/ 

docrep/x5596E/x5596e00.htm#Contents 

Kareko, K. K. and Githiomi, J. (2000). National Arrangements and Capacity to 

Collect Wood Energy Information and Statistics: The Kenyan Scenario. Paper 

presented at FAO/UNEP Regional Workshop on Wood Energy Information in 

Africa, 23rd – 27th October, 2000 in Nairobi, Kenya. 

KEFRI (2010). Revised Seed Catalogue: Kenya Forestry Seed Centre. KEFRI Leaflet. 

KEFRI (2006). Charcoal Production using Improved Earth, Portable Metal, Drum 

and Casamance Kilns. KEFRI, Forest Products Research Centre, Karura. 

Maua, J., and Ngazi, J. (2009). Growing Acacia xanthophloea and Acacia 

polyacantha for charcoal in Madiany Division, Siaya County. A KEFRI Report. 

Mugo, F. and Ong, C. (2006). Lessons of eastern Africa’s unsustainable charcoal 

trade. ICRAF Working Paper no. 20. Nairobi, Kenya. World Agroforestry Centre 

Muok, B.O., Kimondo, J., and Omondi, W. (2007). Dryland Forestry Handbook 

for Kenya (2nd Edition). KEFRI.140p. 

Oduor, N. (2005). Calorific values of species as wood fuel and charcoal. A KEFRI 

Report. 

Republic of Kenya (2002). Study on Kenya’s Energy Demand, Supply and Policy 

Strategy for Households, Small Scale Industries and Service Establishments. 

Ministry of Energy, Nairobi, Kenya. Report submitted by KAMFOR Company 

Limited. September 2002. Pgs 133. 

Shanmughavel P. and Francis, K. (2001). Bioproductivity and nutrient 

cycling in bamboo and acacia plantation forests. Bio-resource Technology, 

Volume 80 Issue1. October 2001, Pages 45-48, ISSN 0960-8524, 10.1016/ 

S0960-8524(01)00060-8. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ 

S0960852401000608) 

State of Environment (2004). State of Environment Report. National 

Environment Management Authority, Kenya.www.nema.go.ke 

Theuri, K. (2002). Woodfuel Policy and Legislation in Kenya. A paper presented 

during the Regional Workshop on Woodfuel Policy and Legislation held at ICRAF, 

Nairobi, Kenya. 


Appendices 

Appendix 1: 

List of KEFRI Regional Centres and Sub Centres 

Regional Centres Sub-Centres Centre Director/ 

Officer in Charge 

Telephone 

Contacts 

Muguga Mr E. Mwanza 0722-157414 

0724-259781/2 

0722-157414 

0722-386677 

Nyeri Dr. J. Lelon 0715-786844 

Karura Dr. J. Githiomi 020-2011628 

020-2011629 

0733-764726 

0722-496795 

Kitui Dr. N. Kamiri 044-22311 

044-22626 

0722-983238 

Kibwezi Mr. D. Muchiri 0721-700352 

Garissa Mr. B. Kigwa 0722-427231 

Bura Mr. Kimondo 0735-333809 

Londiani Dr. J Cheboiwo 052-64028 

0722-464469 

Marigat Mr. M. Welimo 0720-531655 

Turbo Mr. W. Atie 0722-480506 

Lodwar Mr. S. Ndungu 0720-143776 

Maseno Dr. R. Nyambati 0573-51164 

0713-687975 

Kakamega Mr. J. Maua 0721-601497 

Ramogi Mr. G. Wasonga 0729-779478 

Kuja River Mr. Ajuka 0726-561105 

Gede Mr. T. Mbuvi 0202386358 

0722-809951 

E-mail & 

Postal Address 

cdmuguga@kefri.org 

P.O. Box 

20412,00200, 

Nairobi 

cdkarura@kefri.org 

P.O. Box 

64636-00620,Mobil 

Plaza, 

Nairobi 

cdkitui@kefri.org 

P.O. Box 892, Kitui 

cdlondiani@kefri.org 

P.O. Box 382, 

Londiani 

cdgede@kefri.org 

P. 0. Box 1078- 

80200, 

Malindi 

Appendix 2: 

List of KEFRI Approved Tree Seed Stockists 

Company & Address Contact Person Telephone No. 

1 Kenya Farmers Association (KFA) 

P.O. Box 353, Kisii 

2 Alpha Agrovet 

P.O. Box 402, Othaya 

3 Maliki Agrovet 

P.O. Box 612, Njoro 

4 Menengai Agrovet 

P.O. Box 360, Nakuru 

5 Science Products 

P.O. Box 4946, Kisumu 

6 Greenland Agroforestry Nursery 

P.O. Box 1197, Thika 

7 Zayuni Farmcare 

P.O. Box 70, Shimba Hills 

8 Kinango Farm Care 

P.O. Box 70, Kinango 

9 Kiboko Forestry and Wildlife Reserves Glitd. 

P.O. Box 12 Machakos 

10 Suba Green Forest Initiative, 

P.O. Box 111-40100, Kisumu 

11 Snow Agrovet, 


12 Adindi Tree Seeds & Organic Gardening Supplies 

P.O. Box 2383, Kisumu 

13 Sifuyo Youth Empowerment Centre, 

P.O. Box 31, Ukwala 

14 Kithimani Agrovet 


15 Atlas Pharmaceuticals 

P.O. Box 1507 Ukunda 

Mr. Yona Orao & 

Mr. Isaiah Otieno 

0721231238 

0725237654 

Mr. Justus Mukere 0721897380 

Mr. Harens Chazima 0712973398 or 

0723236804 

Mr. Zadock Munala 0724851302 or 

0512214087 

Mr. Moses M. Oduor 0721250752 

Mr. Charles Nyanjui 0728480907 

22 Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production 23 

Mr. Titus M. 

Mutonga 

Ms. Anyango 

Blandina Mukhwasi 

0721905236 

0727121398 or 

0736830594 

Major Charles Masai 722807907 

Mr. Julius Aduwo 0725636337 

Mr. Titus M. Katheke 0717168496 

0710817504 

Ms. Beatrice 

Odhiambo 

Mr. Stephen O. 

Awour 

0735535268 

0714808397 

0701008374 

Mr. Tommy M. Muli 0725548742 

0711227770 

Ms Judith Mumbua 

Kitusa 

0722480012

KEFRI’s mandate is to conduct research in forestry, 

collaborate with other research bodies within and outside 

Kenya carrying out similar research, liaise with other 

organisations and institutions of higher learning in training 

on matters of forestry research, and disseminate research 

findings. Its mission is to enhance the social and economic 

welfare of Kenyans through user-oriented research for 

sustainable development of forests and allied natural 

resources. www.kefri.org 

Practical Action Consulting is the dynamic consulting 

arm of international development and technology charity 

Practical Action. Sharing over 40 years of international 

expertise, Practical Action Consulting provides 

independent and professional consulting in the use of 

technology for poverty reduction to governments, NGOs, 

aid agencies and the private sector. 

www.practicalaction.org/consulting 

KFS is a public institution established under the Forests 

Act, 2005, with a mandate to contribute to the growth of 

the natural resource sector by enhancing development, 

conservation and management of all forest resources 

in Kenya. Among other activities, the Service promotes 

community involvement in forest conservation and 

management through Community Forest Associations, 

licensing of various activities and ventures, and 

conservancy management. www.kenyaforestservice.org 

Through action research, the PISCES project is contributing 

to innovation and providing new policy-relevant knowledge 

on bioenergy – leading to better practices and widening 

energy access to the rural poor in East Africa and South 

Asia. It is the energy Research Programme Consortium 

funded by the UK’s DFID, whose members include ACTS 

(lead), Kenya; PAC-UK, Eastern Africa, and Sri Lanka; the 

University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; M.S. Swaminathan 

Research Foundation, India; and the University of 

Edinburgh, UK. For more information contact project 

manager Bernard O. Muok at b.muok@acts.or.ke and visit 

www.pisces.or.ke

Sustainable Tree Management for Charcoal Production ... - Pisces

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?