Charcoal is a common woodfuel in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Unsustainable wood sourcing and inefficient carbonization result into negative environmental impacts. This action research aimed at building the capacity for sustainable charcoal production including `improving the traditional earth mound kiln (TEK) that is used by 99% of charcoal producers in Kenya. Small stems and branches of the invasive Prosopis juliflora were used and produced quality charcoal with 28 kJ/g which will save trees. Improved earth mound kiln (IEK) increased charcoal yield by 49% per mass of sun dried wood fed into the kiln and reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons by 40%, 49% and 44% respectively. Net charcoal yield by a mass of dry wood in TEK and IEK was 26.4% and 28.4% respectively. Communication and capacity development on sustainable charcoal benefit people and environment. Studies on sustainable charcoal and effects on dryland socio-ecological systems will be needed.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2023.200181Altmetric score:
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Publication year
2023
Authors
Njenga, M.; Kirimi, M.; Koech, G.; Wanjira, E.O.; Muriuki, J.; Sola, P.; Bourne, M.; Siko, I.; Mendum, R.
Language
English
Keywords
charcoal, bioenergy, livelihoods, energy consumption, biomass, air pollution, emissions, fuelwood, climate change
Geographic
Kenya
