The Environmental and Socio- Economic Implications of Charcoal Making in Soin Location of Ainamoi Division, Kericho District

Abstract

Energy in all its various forms is important in the development of any nation. Man requires energy for survival and for Development. A great percentage of energy requirements in the developing nations, Kenya included are met by woodfuel. Commonly firewood is used in the rural areas and charcoal in the urban areas. As the urbanisation trends continue to go up so do the demand for charcoal. This study examined the Socio-economic and environmental implications of charcoal making in a Rural setting of Kenya. Both Secondary and Primary data was collected using various techniques. The Primary Data was obtained through, observation, interviews and a household questionnaire was administered to 58 households in the study area sampled from charcoal making sites in the location. The Secondary Data was obtained from library research, from Government Publications and from research findings by various NGO's.