Potential of Agroforestry in Sustainable Fuelwood Supply in Kenya

Abstract

Sub Saharan African (SSA) region rely heavily on fuelwood for their energy needs and will potentially increase in the foreseeable future due to increased population growth in the region. The continued utilization of fuelwood in the region subject to inefficient technology of energy conversion is projected to put more increasing pressure on forest cover and resources. The decline in forest resources is a precursor to exploration of other resources that may provide energy to human, in which agroforestry comes in mind. Therefore, the aim of this discussion paper was to review the status of fuelwood consumption patterns in Kenya, while highlighting the status and sustainability of fuelwood sector in the country. One of the approaches to deal with fuelwood problem is to enhance adoption of agroforestry, with an aim of reducing the harvest of wood and non-wood products in forests through sustainable planting of trees in the farms. However, the main constraints identified in adopting agroforestry for sustainable forest management were: Lack of suitable laws, legislation and policy framework, unavailability of planting material, inadequacy of research and extension services, long gestation time, access to credit, and finally land tenure and security. In order to expand the adoption of agroforestry for sustainable forest resource use, there is a need for logical approach aimed in promoting a multi-purpose agroforestry system under local farming systems where there is still large land capable of sustaining the practice.