Women and the management of domestic energy.

Abstract

Firewood is the major source of domestic energy in Kenya, accounting for over 93% of domestic energy generation, used and collected mainly by women. It has been estimated that by the year 2000, if current demand levels remain unchanged, 65% of domestic energy demand will go unmet. This paper seeks to analyse those socioeconomic factors which have led to fuelwood shortages by considering the area in which the Bura Irrigation Settlement Scheme has been implemented in Tana River District. It was found that the residents in the scheme's area were reluctant to plant trees when they faced a shortage of fuelwood because they saw their position there as only temporary, and that they were confused with regards to property rights and land ownership. The chapter also notes the need for a degree of cultural reorientation, focusing not just on women, in order that dietary habits and thus fuel consumption may mirror fuel supply