Households energy supply and the use of fuelwood in the Taita Hills, Kenya

This study focuses on households energy consumption in the Taita Hills of South-East Kenya, especially on the use of fuelwood. The wood use habits are approached through the local women and families who represent the grass root level actors. The Taita Hills are known for their rich biodiversity. Areas of indigenous mountain rainforests play a crucial role as the water towers as well as being home for many indigenous plants and animals. However, the high population pressure, lack of cultivated land, poverty and different socio-political factors has led to a degradation and loss of biodiversity. The main energy source of households in the Taita Hills is still firewood, the use of which has effects on the environment as well as on people s health and time management. This vulnerability caused by biofuels is examined in two case study areas. Both of these areas are located near an indigenous forest boarder but are situated on different agro-ecological zones. The present methods and circumstances of collecting firewood are also compared to the situation 30 years ago, when the legislation allowed more extensive use of forest resources. This research is a qualitative study. The primary data was gathered during two field trips in the Taita Hills, in 2009 and 2010, by using interviews and various participatory methods. All together 50 households as well as different district authorities, non- governmental organizations workers and private persons, were interviewed. The study concludes that the availability of firewood in The Taita Hills has diminished. People have to collect firewood from further away and from smaller areas. This has also increased the time used for collecting wood for fuel. Use of firewood increases households vulnerability by raising the work-load of women in particular, and also by its affect on the environment and health. In addition, this energy supply requires larger economical contributions, while people have to more often resort to purchasing. This weakens the economic situation of families and lessens their opportunities to plan their future or make other investments. Many people are not aware of the effects of the use of wood for fuel. For them it is difficult to understand that traditions passed down through many generations can have harmful consequences. Also poverty, lack of political interest and the lack of co-operation between local actors prevents implementation of new energy practices. Alternative methods should be introduced in order to change current unsustainable energy modes. However this should be done with respect and by taking into account the special features of the Taita Hills area.