Abstract:
The aim of this research was to find out the factors influencing the availability of Acacia xanthoplea for wood fuel in semi-arid Lands. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To find out whether Acacia xanthoplea is used as a source of wood fuel in Rachuonyo South Sub-county, Kenya; to establish the factors influencing the availability of Acacia xanthoplea as a source of wood fuel; to find out other species utilized as source of wood fuel by the people of Rachuonyo. This research study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population for the study consisted of residents of Rachuonyo South Sub-county with a population of 97,010. The study applied stratification of the target population with simple random sampling technique to arrive at a more representative sample of 300 households, which was used to collect information. The main tool of data collection for the study was a questionnaire and interview schedule. To test reliability of the research instruments, the researcher conducted a pilot study at Rachuonyo North Sub-county - Kenya, whose respondents were not included in the final study population. The sample size was 400 households. With respect to data analysis and presentation, data was first edited, coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The research yielded both qualitative and quantitative data. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics where descriptive statistics, crosstabs and regression analysis were used. From the data collected, it was established that Acacia xanthoplea was not commonly used a wood fuel because of its nature of being thorny and poisonous. It was also found out that women are the majority with the responsibility for collecting wood fuel (fire wood) for the family. Among them 60% went up to primary and secondary education level which means that they are not able to afford the modern means of firewood (wood fuel hence they need assistance) it was also found out that Rachuonyo as an area is fertile. The findings revealed that Rachuonyo is a good area of planting Acacia and other plants required since the soil is black cotton soil and the climate is humid. The study revealed that the use of charcoal in Rachuonyo was very low; per family they use only 6 – 15 sacks were used per year and only 11-16 head bundles of firewood. From the regression that was carried out it also emerged that soil and climate contribute greatly to the availability of Acacia in any given place. The study therefore, recommend that the Government and other stake holders intervene to solve the perennial problem of lack of wood fuel in Rachuonyo by encouraging the locals to plant more Acacia Xanthoplea which is found in Rachuonyo South Sub-County- Kenya, because the study revealed that Acacia spp is human and animal friendly since it is not thorny and does not harbor insects for diseases.
