XVI International Botanical Congess

The livelihood of the majority of the rural people in Kenya rely on woodfuel as a major source of household energy. Decision on the use of trees are based on the existing social and institutional relationships, land tenure, utilization practices and purposes. Thus, ascertaining who owns and have access to the woody resources. This paper illustrates these issues by taking a case study of access and ownership of trees as a source of woodfuel within Pwani village, a marginal area of Nakuru district in Kenya. The land is privately owned and woodfuel sources include trees growing on individuals' rented and unsettled pieces of land. Others are purchasing, borrowing or being given as a gift.