Charcoal Accessibility among Households in the Rural and Urban Areas of Trans-Nzoia and West-Pokot Counties,Kenya

Abstract

This study determined the accessibility of charcoal among households located in and West-Pokot Counties. The purpose was to provide scientific data for necessary interventions like formulation of appropriate policy to enhance sustainable charcoal accessibility. The study used cross stage sampling technique. Stratified random sampling strategy was employed in grouping households into rural and urban households. Convenient sampling technique areas of West-Pokot and Trans-Nzoia respectively. Purpose towns to represent urban areas of West-Pokot and Trans selecting 91, 95, 78, and 91 households in Kacheliba, Kolongolo, Makutano a observation were used in data collection. Data was analyzed through Kruskal Wallis Test, and Chi Only information from households using charcoal was used in the analysis. The economic me used in the study were households’ monthly expenditure on charcoal, cost/Kilogram of charcoal, and budgetary allocation (%) on charcoal. Results indicated that average household monthly expenditure and cost/kg in Kacheliba and Kshs 11.4 respectively. Average monthly budgetary allocation was 25.7% in Makutano. Common factors affecting charcoal accessibility were; land tenure system, government policies, cookstove technologies, and family size. Kruskal Wallis Test indicated that the mean ranks of charcoal average accessibility values between Kacheliba, Kolongolo, Makutano and Kitale were statistically significant [χ2(3,95)= accessibility values were significantly low indicated that the associations between existing government policies and cookstove technologies with charcoal accessibility were statistically insignificant. In conclusion, while charcoal is accessible in rural areas of West urban areas. In Trans-Nzoia, charcoal is inaccessible in rural and urban areas. Government policies and cookstove technologies adopted in West-Pokot and Trans charcoal. Therefore, there is need for strict implementation of current policies, or formulation of new policies. The charcoa users should be educated on appropriate usage o consumption.