Study of economic aspects of the woodcarving industry in Kenya : implications for policy development to make the industry more sustainable.
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Date
2000
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Abstract
This thesis reports on the findings of a three year study on the economIc aspects of the
woodcarving industry in Kenya. Woodcarving provides one of the most important uses of wood
in Kenya both in terms of economic returns (export value estimated at US$ 20 million annually)
and generation of self-employment opportunities (60,000 carvers and estimated 350,000
dependants). The industry is facing an imminent collapse owing to the depletion of prime
carving tree species which has supported it since 1919. The key objectives of the study were; (a)
To quantify the diversity of species in trade (volumes) and their pricing trends both for the raw
materials and products (carvings); (b) determination of profit margins that accrue from carving
activities and prices of these species for alternative uses; (c) to look into the possibility of onfarm
production of fast growing species (Azadirachta indica) for carving, as well as
Brachylaena huillensis . Each of these was pursued mainly through field surveys at seven main
areas where carving is carried out in Kenya.
The annual carving volume consumed in Kenya is in excess of 15,000 cubic metres concentrated
on about ten tree species. However about 57% of this volume is contributed by Brachylaena
huillensis. Diameter profiles of logs of the carving wood is dominated by 10-16 cm diameter
timber which is an indication of resource scarcity where juvenile trees are increasingly being
targeted. The prices of carving wood are distorted and are far helow the market prices largely
due to the prevalence of illegal sourcing from state forests. The study has estimated that the
stumpage level for Brachylaena huillensis should be raised from Ksh 4 053 to Ksh 12 000 per
m3 if control on the current level of depletion is to be ensured. For the other species, the current
stumpage levels need to be raised three fold. The weaknesses of the existing policies and
legislation governing the access to carving wood have been examined and appropriate
recommendations have been given.
However, as a long term measure to benefit the carvers and conservation of the last remaining
East African forests, changing buyer and carving wood sourcing behaviour from unsustainable
felling of slow growing hardwoods to sustainable on-farm production is discussed. The study
demonstrates that Azadirachta indica can attain a carvable size with a dbh of 16 cm in 17 years. The study has also established that potential profits (revenue) which can accrue from carvings
made per unit wood volume (one cubic metre of wood or equivalent to about 20 logs of I.Sm
long, 20cm diameter) can be as high as Ksh 270,000 within a period of four months. This is
about four times the unit value of sawn timber of some of the finest hardwoods in the Kenyan
market. The study therefore calls for restrictions on the utilization of these prime carving species
on uses other than carving.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.
Keywords
Wood-carving industry--Kenya., Sustainable development--Kenya., Theses--Environmental science.