Wajir County residents who once relied on charcoal burning for survival have abandoned the practice and are now calling for support in restoring their livelihoods through alternative income sources.
Their appeal comes as part of a broader effort to protect and rehabilitate grazing lands that have suffered from years of deforestation and environmental degradation.
Communities from Ganyure, Wagalla, and Shanta Abaq in Wajir West Constituency, along with residents from Tarbaj Constituency, recently surrendered their axes and pangas to the Rangeland Management Committees.
They are now urging both the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to step in and provide sustainable economic opportunities.
Ahmed Abdisalan, a former charcoal burner from Shanta Abaq, said years of tree felling had pushed the already fragile environment to the brink, worsening the effects of recurrent droughts.
“We made the decision to quit charcoal burning after being sensitised 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.
He called on the county and national governments, as well as NGOs, to support them in transitioning to alternative livelihoods.
Ismail Yussuf, another resident who surrendered his tools, echoed this sentiment, urging authorities to assist them in securing stable 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 programme would be a lifeline for us,” he said.
Many other former charcoal burners from Wajir West and Tarbaj constituencies have joined the call for livestock restocking, citing it as the most viable way to rebuild their livelihoods.
The Wagalla Ward Administrator, a member of the Rangeland Management Committee which includes county government officials, chiefs, elders, and Kenya Forest Service representatives, commended the residents for their decision to abandon charcoal burning.
“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 towards restoring our rangelands,” he said, holding up a handful of surrendered axes and pangas.
He reassured the community that efforts were underway to support them in finding sustainable livelihoods.
Mohamed Macash Saman, Chairman of the Tarbaj Rangeland Management Committee, praised the former charcoal burners and pledged to work closely with them in environmental conservation efforts.
He noted that the committee had intensified awareness campaigns on the dangers of deforestation and climate change.
Speaking at Shomageri in Tarbaj, he highlighted the devastating impact of charcoal burning, which has not only led to massive deforestation but also increased the frequency of bushfires.
Tarjab Sub-County Kenya Forest Service Officer, Samwel Embenywa, also lauded the community’s efforts to curb environmental destruction.
He warned that drought, coupled with unchecked tree felling, posed a severe threat to the region’s already diminishing forest cover.
As Wajir grapples with the long-term effects of deforestation and climate change, the call for livestock restocking and alternative economic support grows louder.
Residents now look to authorities and development partners for tangible solutions to secure their future without resorting to environmentally harmful practices.
By Hamdi Buthul
