Technological Factors Influencing The Quality And Quantity Of Charcoal Produced In Western Mau Forest, Kericho County, Kenya

Charcoal is a key bio-energy resource in Kenya, providing domestic energy for 82% of urban and 34% of rural households. The charcoal industry also creates jobs for wood producers, charcoal producers, transporters and vendors. The industry employs almost 1 million people on a part and full-time basis across the value chain. Despite regulation there is continued unsustainable charcoal production in western Mau forest block. Are the regulations not working or simply not implemented by the mandated authority? Different studies over the years have shown how unsustainable charcoal production affects the forest, in other parts of the Mau region like in Narok and Nakuru. The western part of Mau forest, which is in Kericho region is noticeably depleted. The study therefore aimed at assessing technological factors that influence the quality and quantity of charcoal within the western Mau forest. Specifically, the study sought to evaluate the effects of tree harvesting methods, method of carbonization, tree species on quantity and quality of charcoal produced. A descriptive research design was adopted and targeted the local actors who were involved in charcoal business in areas adjacent to the western Mau Forest in Kericho County. The areas under study were Kedowa/Kimugul, Chepseon, Ainamoi and Kaorora, Kapsuser, Kapkatet, Nyagacho, Kericho Kapsoit, Londiani and Litein. This study employed snowball sampling technique to reach the target respondents. Primary data were collected using different set of structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation, cross tabulations and charts were derived from the responses to summarize data from various variables. Inferential statistics were applied using the correlations and chi square tests. The results showed that simple tools like machete and axe were commonly used to harvest trees illegally in the western Mau forest