Rural communities in Kenya are being assisted to introduce energy-efficient stoves and plant trees suitable for fuel and fodder in a bid to take pressure of the country’s forests.

Thomson Reuters Foundation reports that a network of centres have been established by Kenyan Government linked to a national energy policy that is being developed to promote renewable energy sources and more sustainable use of charcoal and wood fuel.

Two thirds of Kenyans rely of wood fuel for cooking and heating.

The new centres are converted agroforestry centres that were established in the 1980s to promote tree planting alongside crop cultivation. They provide training in how to make renewable energy products as well as agroforestry technologies.

The introduction of energy efficient stoves not only reduces timber consumption, it means women and girls spend less time collecting firewood, allowing them to attend school or take up employment. The stoves are also expected to reduce respiratory diseases.

Read the full story: Kenya clean energy centres drive efficiency, switch to renewables

See also: Charcoal briquetting in Nairobi relieves poverty, environmental stresses