The residents of Nyambene region have been urged to embrace new technology in charcoal burning and afforestation to combat issues of environmental degradation and climate change.
Charcoal, a major source of fuel in Kenya and a business that is highly thriving in the majority of towns with its use being embraced by those in both urban and rural areas.
It has been noted that the rate of charcoal burning is still increasing despite President Ruto’s initiative of greening the country.
As you move along Maua town streets, you will encounter sacks of Makaa being sold both in retail and wholesale.
However, the forestry department in the region is putting effort to deal with individuals cutting down trees which has become rampant in the area as people are trying to burn charcoal to earn a livelihood and as a source of energy.
Speaking to KNA, the forest advisory officer in Meru North Charles Kavutha explained that charcoal burning becomes a dangerous act due to the method people use for production and the process of harvesting the trees for the same purpose.
Kavutha advised residents to embrace drum kiln which is appropriate modern technology for preparing charcoal since it has high charcoal recovery rates and takes short time about 48 hours only to be ready compared to the traditional earth kiln which takes weeks to produce charcoal adding that the earth kiln has a lot of waste hence produces less charcoal.
“When people use earth kilns, a great part of wood becomes waste and in case any mistake occurs during the initial stage of preparing the kiln, all the wood may turn into ashes.” Kavutha said.
He said in order to increase forest cover to more than 30%, afforestation, reforestation and environmental conservation should be embraced.
He added that instead of cutting down the whole tree, people should prune old branches and use them for charcoal and firewood, noting that it will not cause a great impact on the environment compared to cutting down trees.
He advised on replacing trees after cutting and as well as establishing tree nurseries for natural regeneration.
“Everyone should plant ten times the number of trees harvested. This will ensure that the environment is conserved as well as sustain the Makaa business.” He added.
Charles advocated for makaa farmers to form associations that shall help them regulate the number of sacks one is preparing and avoid middlemen who may manipulate the makaa business, leading to earning a substantial amount.
The forest advisory officer further insisted that during tree harvesting, the process should be done sustainably, with a permit from the Kenya Forest Services.
Rebecca Karimi, a makaa business person in Maua town added that the makaa business has been her source of livelihood since 2020 after she closed her hotel due to COVID 19 restrictions in the same year.
She explained that the business has helped her pay school fees for her two kids and cater for the basic needs of her family.
She however called upon the government to support the makaa business by training them on the modern technology of producing charcoal and help them source for a ready market.
By Kamanja Maeria and Edith Mwendwa
