| dc.description.abstract | Following the enactment Kitui County Charcoal Management Act many charcoal producer and transporter associations have been registered to enhance regulation and sustainability of charcoal production in the county. Despite this effort, unsustainable production of charcoal still continues unabated. Against this background this study seeks to assess commercial producers and transporters compliance with charcoal laws and regulations in Kitui county. The study used a descriptive survey research design and employed bothquantitative and qualitative research methods to collect data. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires administered to 112 commercial charcoal producers and 10 charcoal transporters as well key informant interview guides. Secondary data wasused to supplement primary data. The study found socio-demographic factors play an important role, though not statistically significant in influencing compliance with charcoal laws and regulations. The study also found that decisions to comply with the charcoal law and regulations in Kitui county is based more on economic factors (incentives and sanctions) than normative ones. The study found that there is a significant relationship between deterrence and compliance behavior of producers and transporters. Majority of respondents comply with charcoal laws and regulations due to fear of punishment (sanction) and detection. With regard to normative factors, the results are mixed on whether social influences/CPAs and CTAs are effective in facilitating compliance with the law. The study found that moral values or norms have a minimal by statistically significant positive influence on compliance. Majority of respondents perceive the laws to be fair and legitimate which increases compliance rates. Lastly, there is a significant positive relationship between level of awareness andcompliance. The study recommends that the county government establish an effective mechanism or system for monitoring implementation of reforestation plans; identifying fake or forged permits and tracking vehicles transporting charcoal. It also recommends that that the county government should review the Act to clarify the procedure for nomination to the Charcoal Management Committee and procedure for its conduct and business. The county government should also provide capacity building to charcoal producers and transporters on the benefits of legal and sustainable charcoal production; promote alternative livelihoods for the rural people in the study area; establish financial assistance and extension programs; disseminate improved kiln technologies strengthen law enforcement capacity and increase the level and visibility of surveillance in county forests. The national government should fast track the revision of the Forest (Charcoal) Regulations to avoid conflicts with existing county charcoal laws. It was also recommended that the national government should develop national quality standards for charcoal and efficiency standards for kiln technologies and a national certification and labelling scheme for charcoal and standards for packaging of charcoal. | en_US |
