INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Information

The world natural resources are what sustains the human populations and proper management must be done

to ensure sustainability of these resources for future generations. The Environment is now under increasing

pressure from human activities. Management involves control and planning of details (Bauer 1998).

Muralikrishna and Manickam (2017) writes that Natural Resource Management (NRM) is the sustainable

utilization of major natural resources, such as land, water, air, minerals, forests, fisheries, and wild flora and

fauna. These provide quality to human life. Ewert et al. (2004) also defined natural resource management as

the actual decisions and actions concerning policy and practices regarding resources.

Natural resources are the basis of human life (Simmons, 1993). We use these resources to satisfy our needs

and wants therefore communities should be economical with their natural resources in a sustainable manner

(Enders& Querner, 1993). In the past few decades, management of natural resources has become an

important topic in practically all societies. Natural resources are materials created in nature that serve to

satisfy human needs (Barsch & Bürger, 1996). These materials occurr in the environment thus only become

a resource if people attach great importance to them (Ewert et al., 2004) and (Mitchell, 2003). In many

regions of the world, there is a shortage of nature’s resources. This problem is aggravated by the degradation

and destruction of natural resources (e.g. charcoal burning). This is mainly due to overuse or a non-adapted

use of these resources (Förch &Schütt, 2004). 

In response to increasing concerns about the degradation of natural resources by human activities, many

research programmes have been established in natural resource management (Bekele et al., 2004). Master

of Business Administration NRM, is one way the world is using to respond to the current environmental

concerns. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is developing a Natural Resource

management Framework (NRGF, ref; to 2013) to shape decision making in natural resources management

(NRM). MBA (NRM) is a postgraduate business management course. It’s an interdisciplinary field of study

that considers the physical, biological, economic and social aspects of handling natural resources. The

programme is intended to produce specialists in the disciplinary areas of wildlife management, rangeland
management, forestry, and human ecology. In Kenya NRM was formulated to help reduce poverty through

sustainable management of resources (Danida, 2010). The course aims to give students applied knowledge

in natural resources management that can be applied in solving current World environmental problems such

as climate change (FAO, 2010) through research and development programmes.

Charcoal burning is lucrative business that is done in most African states and Kenya in particular as a

livelihood. Several studies in charcoal producing countries have attempted to capture the impacts of charcoal

on deforestation and forest degradation. In Malawi, Kambewa, et al., (2007) analysis of the impact of the

charcoal industry on forests revealed a volume equivalent to about 15,000 hectares of forestland being cut

per year, with close to 60% of the charcoal being produced in Forest Reserves and National Parks. Africa

accounts for 63% of the global charcoal production (FAO, 2011). About 94% of the African rural

population and 73% of the urban population use wood-fuels as their primary energy source (Bailis et al,

2007) with the urban area heavily dependent on charcoal and rural areas dependent on firewood (Seidel,

2008). The Kenya Forestry Master Plan (1994) estimates that, about 71 per cent of the energy consumed in

Kenya come from wood.

Charcoal production in Kenya dates back to colonial period, (Chlala, 1972). According to 2005 National

Charcoal Survey of Kenya, charcoal provides 82% of urban and 34% of rural household energy

requirements in Kenya (ESDA, 2005). The Charcoal industry contributes to economic development by

providing rural incomes, tax revenue and employment (FAO, 2012). With availability of wood, it is possible

for an individual medium scale charcoal producer and trader to earn between Ksh. 240,000 and Ksh.

720,000 per year (ICRAF, 2005). Kenyan charcoal industry generates revenue over Kshs. 5.1 billion

(ESDA, 2005). Charcoal industry has led to increased destruction of trees and vegetation due to increased

charcoal demand and inappropriate technologies used in charcoal production (FAO, 2008).

The industry employs close to 200000 (Mwampamba, 2007) and supports 2.5 million dependents (ESDA,

2005). Mathew C. Wanjala (2016), Charcoal is still a major source of fuel Taita Taveta residents and

community members depend on its production as a source of livelihood. The levels of destruction of main

forests and indigenous tress is increasing each passing day. The charcoal producers have little knowledge
about the impacts this business has to the environment. Therefore this study aims to fill knowledge gap,

assess the environmental damage caused by charcoal burners on our tree cover and forests, and reasons

behind engaging into this destructive business despite Governments policies to protect our resource base and

come up with better ways to reclaim the damaged ecosystem.