Household based tree planting activities for fuelwood supply in rural Kenya: the role of the Kenya Woodfuel Development Programme
Chavangi, N.
Development from within survival in rural Africa: 148-169
1992
Document Number: 623432
The Kenya Woodfuel Development Programme (KWDP) has worked with farmers in Kakamega and Kisii Districts of Kenya and in the process has gained useful experience in efforts towards developing viable agroforestry practices which are aimed at increasing the fuelwood supply to rural households. The chapter indicates the role that the KWDP has played in establishing, with farmers, self-sustaining innovations that would result in increased tree planting activities for fuelwood supply in rural areas. A particular concern is to focus on the way in which the KWDP has confronted male control of tree resources, in a context where women are responsible for gathering fuelwood for their energy needs. First, the philosophy and objectives of the KWDP are outlined. The case study of KWDP activities in Kakamega District which follows indicates the response of communities to the Programme. Investigations to assess the actual practices by which the on-farm woody biomass is established revealed the importance of planting new species in the District. The seedlings most commonly planted are exotic. In Kakamega, 85% of the seedlings raised, bought or obtained free were exotic tree species (mainly Eucalyptus saligna and to a lesser extent Cupressus lusitanica), whereas, of the wildings collected, 52% were indigenous species and 39% were fruit trees. About 50% of the trees sown directly were exotic species, mainly Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus saligna, Cassia siamea and some indigenous species, mainly Sesbania sesban and Croton microstachys. Tree ownership uses are commented on, as are access to and control of household resources. The KWDP intervention strategy is examined, with consideration given to on-farm trials, and the group extension and mass media approaches. Early indications show that the fuelwood situation has begun to improve for participating households.