•Residents Abandon Charcoal Burning to Restore Environment and Secure Sustainable Incomes
Residents of Shanta Abaq in Wajir West, Kenya, have voluntarily surrendered their charcoal-burning tools, marking a significant shift in efforts to combat deforestation and environmental degradation.
Former charcoal burners from communities across Ganyure, Wagalla, and Shanta Abaq in Wajir West Constituency, alongside those from Tarbaj Constituency, have handed over axes and pangas to the Rangeland Management Committees as they abandon the practice in favor of alternative income-generating activities.
The initiative, driven by the growing awareness of the devastating effects of deforestation, comes amid increasing environmental challenges, including recurrent droughts and declining grazing lands.
The former charcoal burners are now calling on the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide economic support, particularly through livestock restocking programs, to help them transition to sustainable livelihoods.
A Community’s Struggle: From Survival to Sustainability
For years, charcoal production has been a lifeline for many families in Wajir County, particularly after prolonged droughts decimated livestock—the primary source of income for pastoralist communities.
However, the practice has significantly contributed to deforestation, worsening land degradation and exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
Ahmed Abdisalan, a former charcoal burner from Shanta Abaq, shared his experience, explaining that the decision to quit the trade was not easy but necessary.
“We made the decision to stop charcoal burning after being sensitized by the Rangeland Management Committee. The destruction was driven by desperation—we had no other means of survival after losing our livestock to drought,” he said.
Similarly, Ismail Yussuf, another resident who surrendered his tools, emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to provide alternative income sources.
“Charcoal burning has wreaked havoc on our environment, but we had no choice after losing our animals. I have children in secondary school who need fees, and my family needs food. A livestock restocking program would be a lifeline for us,” he stated.
Many other former charcoal burners from Wajir West and Tarbaj constituencies echoed the call for livestock restocking, arguing that reviving pastoral livelihoods is the most viable way to ensure economic stability while preserving the environment.
Authorities Laud the Move, Pledge Support
The surrender of charcoal-burning tools was met with praise from local authorities and environmental conservationists.
The Wagalla Ward Administrator, a member of the Rangeland Management Committee comprising county government officials, local chiefs, elders, and representatives from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), commended the residents for their commitment to environmental restoration.
Holding up a handful of surrendered axes and pangas, he remarked, “This practice has been a major driver of environmental destruction, threatening an already fragile ecosystem. By giving up their tools, these residents have taken a crucial step toward restoring our rangelands.”
He reassured the community that efforts were underway to support them in securing alternative livelihoods and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Similarly, Mohamed Macash Saman, Chairman of the Tarbaj Rangeland Management Committee, praised the former charcoal burners and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to environmental conservation.
He noted that ongoing awareness campaigns have been instrumental in educating communities on the dangers of deforestation and climate change.
Speaking in Shomageri, Tarbaj, Saman highlighted the widespread impact of charcoal burning, which has not only resulted in massive deforestation but also increased the frequency of bushfires in the region.
Kenya Forest Service Warns of Continued Environmental Risks
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials also weighed in on the issue, warning that drought, coupled with widespread tree felling, poses a severe threat to the region’s already fragile ecosystem.
Tarbaj Sub-County KFS Officer Samwel Embenywa commended the community’s efforts in curbing environmental destruction but emphasized the need for long-term solutions.
“If we do not take urgent measures to restore our rangelands, we risk losing even more forest cover. Drought and deforestation are accelerating desertification, making it harder for communities to survive,” Embenywa cautioned.
A Call for Action: Sustainable Economic Support Needed
As Wajir County grapples with the long-term effects of deforestation and climate change, residents are urging both county and national governments, as well as NGOs and development partners, to provide tangible solutions.
Livestock restocking, investment in sustainable agriculture, and vocational training in alternative trades are among the proposed interventions to help affected families secure stable incomes without resorting to environmentally destructive practices.
The recent decision by former charcoal burners to surrender their tools represents a crucial step toward environmental conservation in Wajir.
However, without viable economic alternatives, the risk of reverting to unsustainable practices remains high.
The success of this initiative will depend on sustained support from both government agencies and development organizations, ensuring that affected communities can rebuild their livelihoods while protecting their fragile ecosystem.
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