Kenya needs to shift its efforts away from government-owned forests to increasing agroforestry and commercial tree farming to help meet the country’s energy needs.

An estimated 75 per cent of Kenyans rely on wood fuel and charcoal as a source of energy, says an article in The People, yet the potential for commercial tree growing to meet this demand is not being recognized.

The Kenya Forest Growers Association (KEFGA) is asking parliament to include commercial forests in the National Forests Bill which is soon due for review. They say the current bill barely recognizes private commercial forestry (which plays a key role in wood fuel production and providing employment).

KEFGA wants to see a clear and legal framework that will help streamline the wood business. They also want greater access to funding and training on the latest technologies in forest management.

In Kenya, commercial tree farming is viable in areas that receive 800-1,800mm of rainfall annually. Species that tend to be grown include podo, cypress, mukau, eucalyptus, bamboo and a variety of acacias. Commercial trees can mature between 8 and 25 years depending on their intended usage.

Read the full story: Large scale tree farming ignored despite commercial value