AN ASSESSMENT OF Jacaranda mimosifolia AS AN
ALTERNATIVE WOOD CARVING TREE SPECIES:- .THE CASE OF MACHAKOS-AND NAIROBI, KENYA
MWENDA NDUTA ANGEUNA~
Mwenda. Nduta
An assessment of
jacaranda
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the Award of the Degree of
Master of Environmental Studies (Science) of Kenyatta University
August, 2003
DECLARATION
This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any
other University, or any other award.
Angelina Nduta Mwenda Date
This thesis has been submitted with our approval as the University Supervisors.
Dr. T.e. Aloo
Kenyatta University
Nairobi
Date
Dr. J.K.A. Koske
Kenyatta University
Nairobi
Date
II
DEDICATION
To my parents, "Mr. Mwenda" and "Mrs. Mwenda", my sisters and brother.
III
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am indebted to a number of people and organisations for their assistance in
enabling the success of this study. Firstly, to Kenyatta University (K.U.), for
enabling me to undertake the course in Environmental Sciences. To Dr. R. Hoft
(People and Plants Initiative) for providing the research funds and guidance.
To Dr. Aloo and Dr. Koske (K.U.) who diligently supervised my work.
I am grateful to staff at the Ministry of Agriculture offices, Machakos, and
especially Miriam Mutuku (Division Extension Co-ordinator, Kathiani Division),
Joshua Muasya (Crops Officer, Kathiani Division), and James Kimani (Crops
Officer, Matungulu Division). In Nairobi, Nairobi City Council (NCC) staff,
especially Mr. Humphrey Ng'ang'a (In-charge, Jeevanjee Gardens) and Ngobu
"Golf' Mwangi (In-charge, City Park).
To David Mumo for his guidance in data analysis. Finally, my classmates,
especially Wamboi, J.F., for their friendship, insights, and support.
IV
ABSTRACT
The Kenyan wood carving industry is highly dependent on indigenous tree species for its
survival. However, continued harvesting of these species is threatening natural forests, as
the estimated rates of harvesting are much higher than the regeneration rate of these
relatively slow-growing indigenous species. This calls for a shift in focus from such tree
species to others that would achieve the dual purpose of sustaining the industry and
conserving the environment.
This study was conducted in Machakos District and Nairobi Province. It aimed to assess
the possible contribution of Jacaranda mimosifolia in the wood carving industry, as an
alternative resource to more commonly utilized indigenous tree species. This was carried
out by estimating and comparing standing volumes of J. mimosifolia in Machakos and
Nairobi; investigating the extent of its utilization as well as present owners willingness to
sell to the wood carving industry; investigating evidence of its being re-planted; and
suggesting measures towards saving Kenya's indigenous tree species while sustaining the
wood carving industry. Stratified random sampling was used in sample selection, while
socio-econornic as well as inventory methods were used in data collection.
The study fmdings indicated that there was no significant difference in standing volumes
of J. mimosifolia between Nairobi and Machakos. The study also revealed that uses of
J. mimosifolia by owners in Machakos were based mainly on shade functions, and in
Nairobi aesthetic purposes. Concerning sale of J. mimosifolia to the wood carving
v
industry, the study indicated that a majority of private plot owners in Machakos (70%)
were willing to sell to the wood carving industry. On the other hand, a majority of
institutions (75.9%) and private plot owners (41.9%) in Nairobi were not willing to sell
J mimosifolia to the wood carving industry. No private plot owner in Machakos was
seen to have re-planted J mimosifolia after felling.
Standing volumes of J mimosifolia estimated in this study are relatively low, considering
current estimated consumption rates in the wood carving industry - average 208 m3 per
annum countrywide (Choge, 2000). Planting of J mimosifolia should therefore be
encouraged if its populations are to sustain the needs of the wood carving industry,
thereby preventing further depletion of Kenya's indigenous forests.
The findings suggest that tree nursery personnel be trained in seed collection,
preservation, sowing methods, and tree management practices, as well as encouraging
wood carvers to plant J mimosifolia. Further, strategies should be put into place where
plot owners willing to sell their J mimosifolia to the wood carving industry can come
together with wood carvers to promote its utilization and re-planting. Finally,
Government policies that encourage planting and utilization of J mimosifolia alongside
regulated utilization of indigenous tree species should also be formulated.
Finally, J mimosifolia is seen to be a potentially important wood carving raw material,
especially that from Machakos. Its adoption will save the indigenous tree species
currently in danger of extinction.
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
DECLARATION
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF PLATES
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
I
II
III
IV
V
VII
IX
X
X
X
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDy 1
1.2 THE STUDY AREAS 2
1.2.1 MACHAKOS DISTRICT 3
1.2.2 NAIROBI PROVINCE 7
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 9
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 11
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 11
1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDy 12
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 13
1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY 14
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION 15
2.2 THE ROLE OF FORESTS 15
2.3 THE JACARANDA TREE 19
2.3.1 BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL BACKGROUND 19
2.3.2 PROPAGATION 22
2.3.3 MANAGEMENT 23
2.3.4 USES OF J MIMOSIFOLIA 24
2.3.5 OTHER STUDIES CARRIED OUT ON J MIMOSIFOLIA 28
2.4 WOOD CARVING CONSIDERATIONS 29
2.4.1 THE WOOD CARVING INDUSTRY IN KENYA 31
2.5 SUMMARy 39
vii
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 SAMPLE SELECTION 40
3.1.1 MACHAKOS DISTRICT 41
3.1.2 NAIROBI PROVINCE 45
3.2 DATA COLLECTION 48
3.2.1 SOCIO-ECONOM1C METHODS 48
3.2.2 INVENTORY METHODS 52
3.2.3STANDING TREE VOLUME CALCULATION 55
3.2.4 SECONDARY METHODS 55
3.3 DATA ANALYSIS 55
3.4 SUMMARY 56
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 INTRODUCTION 58
4.2 STANDING VOLUMES AND DISTRlBUTION OF J MIMOSIFOLIA58
4.3 LAND OWNERSHIP 63
4.4 INCIDENCEIPRESENCE OF J MIMOSIFOLIA 64
4.5 PLANTING DATES OF J MIMOSIFOLIA 67
4.6 REASONS FOR PLANTING AND USES OF J MIMOSIFOLIA 69
4.7 FELLING AND RE-PLANTING OF J MIMOSIFOLIA 73
4.8 OPINIONS ON SALE OF J MIMOSIFOLIA TO THE WOOD CARVING
INDUSTRY 75
4.9 ACTUAL SALE OF J MIMOSIFOLIA LOGS TO THE WOOD CARVING
INDUSTRY 78
4.10. WOOD CARVERS 78
4.11 TREE NURSERlES 81
4.12 SUMMARy 85
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION 87
5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 87
5.3 . CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 93
5.4 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDy 95
LIST OF REFERENCES
APPENDICES
97
104
VIII
Table 1.1
Table 2.1
Table 2.2
Table 3.1
Table 3.2
Table 3.3
Table 3.4
Table 4.1
Table 4.2
Table 4.3
Table 4.4
Table 4.5
Table 4.6
Table 4.7
Table 4.8
Table 4.9
Table 4.10
LIST OF TABLES
Agro-Ecological Zones - Machakos 5
Swnmary of Other Studies Carried Out on J. mimosifolia 8
Gender Differentiation in the Wood Carving Process 34
Possible AEZs in which J. mimosifolia can be found in Machakos 42
Sample Selection in Machakos District 42
Sample Selection in Nairobi Province 46
Swnmary of Respondents/Key Informants in Machakos and Nairobi 50
Ranking of J. mimosifolia Standing Volumes and Distribution in
Machakos and Nairobi 62
Categories of Plot Owners Studied in Machakos and Nairobi 63
Estimated Incidence (%) of J. mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi 64
Reasons Cited For Absence of J. mimosifolia in Machakos
and Nairobi 66
Estimated Planting Dates of J. mimosifolia in Machakos
and Nairobi 69
Reasons Cited for Planting J. mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi 70
Uses of J. mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi, and their Ranking 72
Incidences of Felling of J. mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi 74
Reasons for Felling J. mimosifolia Based on Category of Owner in
Machakos and Nairobi 74
Institutional and Individual Responses in Machakos and Nairobi
Regarding Opinions on Sale of J. mimosifolia to the Wood Carving
Industry 77
IX
Figure 1.1
Figure 2.1
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Plate 2.1
Plate 2.2
Plate 2.3
FAO
ICRAF
KCCU
KEFRI
KFWG
MCC
NCC
NTFP
UNESCO
WWF
LIST OF FIGURES
Location of the Study Area
Spread of Wood Carving Industry in Kenya
AEZs and Administrative Divisions in Machakos
Location of Study Area in Nairobi
Estimated Standing Volume of J. mimosifolia in Nairobi
Estimated Standing Volume of J. mimosifolia in Machakos
Estimated Distribution of J mimosifolia in Nairobi
Estimated Distribution of J mimosifolia in Machakos
Incidence of J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi
LIST OF PLATES
J mimosifolia Flowers in a Panicle 20
J mimosifolia Fruit (pods) 22
Ornamental and Shade Functions of J mimosifolia as a Street Tree 26
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Food and Agriculture Organisation
International Centre for Research in Agro-Forestry
Kenya Crafts Co-operative Union
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
Kenya Forests Working Group
Mennonite Central Committee
Nairobi City Council
Non-Timber Forest Product
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
World Wide Fund for Nature
x
4
32
43
48
59
60
60
62
65
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
According to Soussan et al (1995), 'Few development or environment issues have
captured the popular imagination in recent years so vividly as tropical
deforestation'. Sosef et al (1998) concur, stating that efforts to protect, conserve
and sustainably use tropical forests are gaining support worldwide. These include
the improved management of natural forests, the establishment of timber
plantations, the planting of trees in agroforestry systems, and the promotion of the
use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to serve environmental, socio-
economic and commercial interests.
Conservation of forests is therefore critical to econorrues as well as the
environment, due to the vital services provided by them. With regard to the
environment, forests regulate water regimes through intercepting rainfall and
regulating its flow through the hydrological system. Further, trees are vital to the
maintenance of soil quality by providing organic materials through leaf fall,
limiting soil erosion, and protecting soil from the direct impact of rainfall. Forests
also playa part in modulating climates, and are considered the lungs of the planet.
Finally, they are a key component of biodiversity, both in themselves and as
a habitat for other species (FAO, 1999; Soussan et ai, 1995; World Bank, 1993).
Tree resources are also of vital economic importance. They form the basis of a
range of industries, most notably timber, processed wood and paper, and also
include products such as rubber and fruits of all sorts (Soussan et ai, 1995). In
Kenya, natural forests, besides providing vital environmental services, provide
other benefits that include fuelwood, and NTFPs such as food, medicines and
household materials. They are also preferred in the furniture, flooring, joinery and
carving sectors, and to some extent for construction (Marshall and Jenkins, 1994).
Wood carving, therefore, suffers the consequences where forest issues such as
deforestation are concerned. The suggestion of Jacaranda mimosifolia, an exotic
and non-forest tree species, as an alternative resource for the wood carving
industry in Kenya offers a glimmer of hope, despite there being many questions on
its suitability and ability to sustain the wood carving industry.
1.2 THE STUDY AREAS
There were two study areas - Machakos District and Nairobi Province. Both areas
were chosen because of their role in the wood carving industry. Wamunyu, in
Machakos District, is associated with a strong history in wood carving, the main
activity of this region (Obunga, 1995). In Nairobi Province, Gikomba hosts a
large number of wood carvers and is a driving market for the wood carving
industry (Choge, 2000). Additionally, relatively large numbers of J mimosifolia
exist here, planted for aesthetic purposes (Smart, 1950).
2
1.2.1 Machakos District
The present day Machakos District is one of the 12 districts that comprise the
Eastern Province of Kenya. From north to south, the district stretches from
Latitude 0045'South to Latitude (31 'South, and Longitudes 36°45'East and
3i45'East. It borders Kitui and Mwingi Districts to the east, Makueni District to
the south, Kajiado to the west, Nairobi City and Thika District to the north-west,
Murang'a and Kirinyaga Districts to the north and Mbeere District to the north
east (Figure 1.1). The district has a total land area of 6,051 Km2 and is divided
into 11 Divisions, 59 Locations and 211 Sub-Locations (Government of Kenya,
1997 - 2001). Machakos District can be roughly divided into 5 AEZs (Jaetzold
and Schmidt, 1983), which determine land use patterns (Table 1.1).
Forest resources found in the district are limited to the hill masses in the high
potential part of the district (Government of Kenya, 2001). There are no natural
forests in the district. The predominant tree species of the plantation forests,
however, are species of eucalyptus, pine, cypress and grevillea (Government of
Kenya, 1997 - 2001).
3
Figure 1.1 Location ofthe Study Area
ETHIOPI A
I 4
International boundary _
District boundary -- - --
o 100 200km•.._-_ ..•.'--_ ...••
.J
o
.' .
.:: -. ::..: ~
....:-.:. ~
.'. '.. \
: -: -: .: <;)
.. ~
. \
Source: Mochokos DistricT Developmenf
4
Table 1.1 Agro-Ecological Zones - Machakos
Main Zone Average % of District Main Activities
Annual Area
Rainfall (mm)
AEZII 1,000 3 Growth of maize and citrus;
forestry and dairy
AEZ III 850 9 Growth of maize, beans,
pigeon peas, sunflower,
citrus, bananas, cow peas;
and dairying
AEZIV 700 -750 40 Growth of maize, beans,
pigeon peas, sorghum,
cotton, mangoes, cow peas;
livestock rearing
AEZV 600 - 650 31 Growth of pigeon peas,
sorghum, maize, cotton;
ranching and bee keeping
AEZVI Less than 600 17 Mainly ranching; also
irrigation-fed agriculture
Source: Government of Kenya, 1997 - 2001: 16-17
The forest resources are considered grossly insufficient for uses such as supply of
fuel, timber, poles, fodder and wood for carvings. This results in the rate of
exploitation being seen as much higher than that at which replacement takes place,
especially in the low potential areas, where shrubs consisting mainly of Acacia are
the dominant species. A few woodlots on individual farms can be found in the
Iveti and Kangundo upland areas. The district therefore has to rely on imported
forest products to sustain the furniture, construction and handicraft industries.
These products are obtained from as far away as Nakuru, Nyeri, and Kiambu.
The farm holdings in the high and medium potential areas do not favour the
additional establishment of forest plantations, as these would compete with crop
5
production, which is given a higher priority. Farm management practices that
accommodate agroforestry and establishment of small wood lots are, however,
being encouraged by the Government in order to ensure a sustainable supply of
forest products for domestic use (Government of Kenya, 1997-2001).
Machakos District was chosen for this study because Wamunyu (Yathui Division),
has since the end of World War I (1914 - 1918) been the main wood carving site
as well as a driving market for wood used in the wood carving industry. The most
famous example of Machakos' long history in wood carving is the Akamba porter
Mutisya Munge who observed during World War I that the Makonde carvers of
Tanzania were doing good business with European settlers (Choge, 2000). He
learnt the trade and brought it back to his village Wamunyu.
After World War I, more European settlers, administrators and tourists began to
enter Kenya in large numbers, and provided the first market for Akamba wood
carvings. Wood carvers started hawking their products outside their ancestral
lands, leading to an increase in the volume of trade. During World War II (1939-
1945), demand for wood carvings rose further, due to the arrival of British forces,
the Kings African Rifles, pioneer and carrier corps (Choge, 2000). By the mid-
1980s, about 2000 people in Wamunyu alone earned an income from wood
carving. Presently, Wamunyu is deemed to have the highest concentration of
6
wood carvers in Kenya, and consequently the largest number of people who
depend on wood carving for a living (Obunga, 1995).
1.2.2 Nairobi Province
Nairobi Province is the administrative headquarters of Kenya, and also the main
centre for economic activities in the country (Government of Kenya, 2000). From
north to south, the province stretches from Latitude 1°17'South to Latitude
i"30'South, and Longitude 36°50'East and Longitude 36°90'East. It borders
Machakos District to the east (Eastern Province), Thika District to the north
(Central Province), Kiambu District to the west (Central Province), and Kajiado
District (Rift Valley Province) to the south and south west (Figure 1.1).
The existing boundaries of Nairobi date from March 1963 and were drawn as a
framework for the political changes which accompanied the attainment of
independence (Halliman and Morgan, 1967). Nairobi was originally chosen in
1896 as a suitable place for railway yards when the Uganda Railway was being
built, and was initially a stores depot, shunting yard and camping ground for the
thousands of Indian labourers employed by the British government. The name
came from the local Maasai term for the valley, "Ewaso Nairobi" - "Stream of
Cold Water" (Trillo, 1987;Hickman and Dickins, 1979).
7
Once a railway settlement was established, the then local administration moved in
from Machakos in order to be near the railway. The altitude (1700m) proved
suitable for European settlement, so later - 1907 (Trillo, 1987) the town became
the capital. With this development followed the planning of the capital and
subsequent beautification, which in many instances included the planting of
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Smart, 1950).
Nairobi was chosen for this study because of the large numbers of J. mimosifolia
planted here for landscaping, ornamental and aesthetic purposes. Smart (1950),
for example, notes that a certain town planner, 'Jacaranda Jim' Jameson, was
generally reputed to have had a great weakness for planting jacaranda trees
wherever other aids to beautification of the town (Nairobi) did not spring to mind.
Further the Nairobi Handicraft Co-operative Society in Gikomba for wood carvers,
was formed shortly after the formation of the Wamunyu Handicraft Co-operative
Society in 1965 (Choge, 2000). Its presence in Gikomba demonstrates that wood
carving is undertaken extensively here. Also, carvings made from J. mimosifolia
are currently being offered for sale in Nairobi, though the sources are questionable.
Machakos and Nairobi were therefore selected for purposes of this study because,
excluding Mombasa, wood carving enterprises were historically based here,
specifically in Wamunyu (Machakos) and Gikomba (Nairobi) in 1965 and 1970
respectively (Figure 2.1). Secondly, unlike Mombasa where wood carvers utilize
Azadirachta indica (neem) extensively along with other indigenous tree species,
8
J mimosifolia is extensively used for carving in both Machakos and Nairobi
(Choge, 2000) as explained in Section 2.4.1.
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The Kenyan wood carving industry is highly dependent on indigenous tree species
for its survival (Choge, 2000; Haft, 2000). Indigenous hardwoods in Kenya
utilized for wood carving include Brachylaena huillensis, Combretum schumanii,
Dalbergia melanoxylon and Olea africana. However, continued harvesting of
these species is threatening natural forests, as the rates of harvesting are much
higher than the regeneration rate of these slow-growing indigenous species
(Obunga, 1995; Marshall and Jenkins, 1994). This means that carving material is
increasingly not available and the industry is threatened with collapse due to lack
of the resource on which it is based.
The wood carvmg industry holds a significant position in Kenya's national
economy. Wamunyu in Machakos District, for example, a major wood carving
site in Kenya, has whole families involved in the production of carvings, with
distinct gender differentiation in labour. Obunga (1995) noted that the industry
embraced all age groups between 16 and 92 years old, with the youth of less than
27 years old making up over 50% of the current population of the industry. The
craft provides a fairly substantial income source for the country. Tiffen et al
(1994), asserted that Kenya's exports of Akamba wood carvings averaged Sterling
9
pounds 1.4 million (KShs 154 million) in 1985 - 1989. The survival of this
industry is therefore in line with Kenya's policies of natural resource management,
economic growth, poverty alleviation, and general development (Government of
Kenya, 1997-2001; Obunga, 1995).
In a publication ('Good Wood News: Chonga') by 'People and Plants' (2000)
J. mimosifolia is identified as a promising alternative to scarce indigenous
hardwoods. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) ranks it in the eighth
position out of ten categories of possible alternative species, based on macroscopic
features, density and hardness. J. mimosifolia has 56% similarity with an all-time
favourite wood carving species - Dalbergia melanoxylon (mpingo/ebony)
(Muga et ai, 1998). However, it is not known at present whether there is enough
J. mimosifolia to utilize in the wood carving industry on a sustainable basis,
besides the extent to which it is being utilized. For J. mimosifolia to succeed as a
suitable alternative in the wood carving industry, it should be widely and readily
accepted by wood carvers as well as buyers. This needs to be investigated.
Accessibility and ownership issues, tentative costs of purchase and transport of
logs (supply) would also need to be investigated. Finally, for J. mimosifolia to be
a suitable alternative in the carving industry, management practices to ensure it
sustainability (for example, re-planting) would need to be carried out. It is not
clear at present as to whether this is being done. This research, therefore, set out
to investigate these problems.
10
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The aim of this study was to investigate the possible utilization of J. mimosifolia
as an alternative wood carving tree species, thus acting as one measure towards
protecting the wood carving industry, as well as Kenya's indigenous forests.
This study aimed to:
a) Estimate and compare the standing volumes of J. mimosifolia in
Machakos and Nairobi.
b) Investigate the extent of utilization of J. mimosifolia by present
owners and wood carvers in Machakos and Nairobi, and their
willingess to sell to the wood carving industry.
c) Investigate the evidence of re-planting of J. mimosifolia by owners,
wood carvers, and tree nursery personnel in Machakos and Nairobi.
d) Suggest measures towards saving indigenous. tree species while
sustaining the wood carving industry in Kenya.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
To guide this study, the following research questions were considered:
1. What are the estimated standing volumes of J. mimosifolia m
Machakos and Nairobi?
2. To what extent is J. mimosifolia utilized by present owners and
wood carvers?
II
3. Are owners of J mimosifolia willing to sell to the wood carving
industry?
4. Which management practices are III place to ensure the
sustainability of J mimosifolia to the wood carving industry as well
as save Kenya's indigenous tree species?
1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
Forests have historically constituted one of the most important sources of
renewable wealth by mainly providing timber for a variety of essential industrial
activities for economic growth (UNDP, 1984). The wood carving industry
benefits directly from forests, and more specifically wood - the resource on which
it is based. Should this resource become unavailable, the industry would be at risk
of declining. The role of forests in environmental well being is also important, and
their value cannot be over-emphasised (Section 2.2).
According to People and Plants (1999), the wood resource today is in a critical
state of over-exploitation, particularly with respect to the targeted wood carving
species, thus threatening the future of the wood carving industry. It is felt that the
challenge that Kenya is now facing is in the current demand for indigenous
hardwoods which far outstrips supply.
12
Suitable alternatives are therefore being sought to ensure continued supply of
wood for the industry. J mimosifolia is one such possible alternative.
Incidentally, the species is mainly valued for aesthetic purposes, and is thus
viewed as an ornamental tree. This function prevents it from being planted widely
as a multi-purpose tree since it has allegedly 'no known value to farming systems'
(ICRAF, 1992: 131). Proposing J mimosifolia as a suitable alternative resource
for the wood carving industry consequently raises a number of issues. These
include the question of amounts available to the carving industry, acceptance as an
alternative to indigenous wood carving species, possible conflict of interest
between wood carving and aesthetic functions, and ways of ensuring that it is a
sustainable alternative if accepted. A research as this is therefore necessary to
investigate the possible utilization of J mimosifolia as an alternative source of
material for the carving industry.
1. 7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Considering the amounts of wood utilized annually by the wood carving industry -
7000 m3 (WWF and UNESCO, 2000), sustainability of wood sources is an issue
worth looking into, and with it conscious afforestation and re-planting where
felling has taken place. The threat to indigenous forests is also obvious (Marshall
and Jenkins, 1994).
13
Measures such as those mentioned above will not only help save the wood carving
industry from imminent collapse, but also encourage the practice of sound
environmental management. This study can therefore serve as one channel
towards enhancing the continued survival of the wood carving industry by
exploring the possibility of using an alternative tree species for carving, as well as
saving Kenya's indigenous forests from further depletion.
1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study was carried out in select AEZs III Machakos District, and select
Administrative Divisions in Nairobi. Areas of study were selected based on
possible availability of J mimosifolia (lCRAF, 1992). Results obtained from this
study would be relevant only to Machakos and Nairobi, and more specifically
where J mimosifolia can be possibly found.
14
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 . INTRODUCTION
Forests provide vital environmental services. Unfortunately, the scourge of
deforestation experienced globally is not new to Kenya, and because of this, much
stands to be lost, environmentally as well as economically. Consequently, the
wood carving industry in Kenya is currently faced with a crisis based on resource
shortage. J mimosifolia has been proposed as a suitable alternative, and a
knowledge on its ecology, propagation, management and uses is indispensable.
2.2 THE ROLE OF FORESTS
According to Sosef et al (1998), efforts to protect, conserve and sustainably use
tropical forests are gaining support worldwide. These efforts include improved
management of natural forests, the establishment of timber plantations, the
planting of trees in agroforestry systems, and the promotion of the use of non-
timber forest products (NTFPs) to serve environmental, socio-economic and
commercial interests. Musabe (2001), for example, has carried out a study in
Nyungwe Forest Reserve in Rwanda on the role of NTFP use and its ecological
impact. The study showed that NTFPs contributed significantly to the lives of the
local community, although harvesting was not compatible with the ecological
15
integrity of the forest, therefore posing a threat to conservation. Mworia (2000)
has also carried out a study on the status, value and management of indigenous
plants of Upper Imenti Forest Reserve of Meru District in Kenya. The study
revealed that the community living around the forest reserve harvested materials
for economic, social and cultural values, although this led to a considerable
reduction in the cover status of indigenous plants. Concern for the forest has
increasingly become a touchstone of environmental credibility during a period
when the deterioration of the local, regional and global environment has emerged
as a mainstream political issue (Soussan et ai, 1995).
According to FAO (1999) estimates, the area of the world's forests, including
natural forests and forest plantations, was estimated to be 3454 million ha in 1995,
or about one quarter of the land area of the Earth. About 55% of the world's
forests are located in developing countries, with the remaining 45% in developed
countries, thereby placing greater responsibility on these countries to conserve the
world's forests. Only about 3% of the world's forests are forest plantations. The
remaining 97% are natural or semi-natural forests. It is these natural forests that
are crrently at great risk worldwide due to harvesting for a variety of reasons.
Natural forests in Kenya are also under threat from a number of activities,
including wood carving.
16
Plant resources form the basis of a range of industries, most notably timber,
processed wood and paper, and also include products such as rubber, fruits of all
sorts and coffee (Soussan et ai, 1995; Marshall and Jenkins, 1994). Forests
provide for employment, recreational opportunities, and/or enhancement of
agricultural production systems (FAO, 1999).
In Kenya, forest area is estimated at approximately 13,050 km2 (Crafter et ai,
1997) which translates to approximately 2% of the total land area. This is a very
small percentage, and would significantly benefit from conservation. Indigenous
forests have a total standing timber volume of more than 200,000,000 m', which if
harvested sustainably, would yield wood products worth US$ 75 million every
year (Government of Kenya, 2001; Emerton, 2000), considered a very good source
of revenue for the country. Further, they provide a series of vital environmental
services, without which the functioning of the biosphere would be endangered
(Soussan et ai, 1995). Despite all this, in February 2001, Kenya's Environment
Minister announced the Government's intention to excise 167,000 acres of natural
forest. As can be expected, the scale of the excisions drew mass protest from all
quarters of Kenya - businesses, religious groups and NGOs (Kenya Forests
Working Group, 2002).
On October 19th 2001, the Kenya Gazette carried the authority to alter the forest
boundaries and excise the forests. Forests affected included sections of the
17
Eastern Mau forest, South Western Mau forest, Western Mau, Nakuru, Nabkoi,
Mount Kenya, Marmanet, North Tinderet, Mount Londiani, South Nandi, Molo
and Kapseret. Felling of trees began almost immediately, and it is only in the very
recent past (April 2002) that Presidential intervention was made, and included
changes in the Forest Department, that the pace has slowed (KFWG, 2002; Linnee,
2002).
The world's forests are also home to millions of people, many of whom depend
totally on the forests for survival. Their way of life is under threat because of
deforestation. Forests and woodlands are also the source of many products vital to
the viability of agricultural communities. These communities gather fuel and
fodder, graze livestock, hunt game, collect fruits, building materials, medicine and
herbs. They also use their local woodland resources to satisfy many other basic
needs. They may also grow crops on temporary plots carved from the forest,
typically on a rotational basis (Soussan et aI, 1995). For instance, for the Okiek
(Ogiek) of Kenya (Kipkorir and Ssenyonga, 1986), the Mau forests in which they .
reside have for centuries supplied most of their basic needs. They have, for
example, perfected the art of cultivating and collecting wild honey from beehives
hung as high as a hundred feet in the trees. The gazetting of the forests (from as
early as 1932) and the subsequent ban on hunting in effect evicted them from their
ancestral homes. Most of them now struggle to come to terms with the enforced
change, through squatting on the land and scratching a meagre living through
18
agriculture and livestock (Obare and Wangwe, 2002; Frances, 2000). More
recently, a group of Okiek sought and received a court injunction to stop any
settlement by outsiders in the Eastern Mau forest (KFWG, 2002). The community
is thought to be one of Kenya's last hunter-gatherer communities (Frances, 2000).
2.3 THE JACARANDA TREE
2.3.1 Botanical and Ecological Background
The term 'Jacaranda' is a local Brazilian vernacular name (hakharanda) first
mentioned in Georg Marcgraf von Liebstad's Hist. Rerum Nat. Brasiliae, 136
(1648). The term was formally adopted by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 1789 as
the scientific name of this genus (Wombat, 2001; Blatter and Millard, 1954). The
genus Jacaranda consists of some 50 species of ornamental shrubs and trees,
somewhat resembling the fine-leaved species of Acacia in habit. J mimosifolia
leaves are opposite, and bi-pinnate. Flowers are blue or violet, showy, and in
panicles, which are usually terminal (Chittenden, 1951) (Plate 2.1).
19
Plate 2.1 J mimosifolia Flowers in a Panicle - a flowering stem which divides
into branches bearing two or more flowers (Vogt, 1995).
(Source: Plant Adviser, 2001: 1)
.J. mimosifolia) is an exotic tree, native to Brazil and Argentina (ICRAF, 1992). It
is widely grown throughout the highland tropics at elevations of 500 m to
2,200 m, and grows in most soils, except water logged types. It is deep rooted,
and thrives in the highlands, with a mean annual rainfall exceeding 900 mm,
although it has been seen to adapt to some drier areas, such as Machakos (ICRAF,
1992). Many species of the Jacaranda tree exist throughout the world, located
specifically in Tropical countries in the continents of Africa, Asia, South and
Central America.
20
Numerous species of Jacaranda exist, and they include J mimosifolia, J filicifolia,
J macrantha, J da-Bahia, J duckei, J alagoensis, J hirsuta, J copaia (copaya),
J amazonensis, J paraensis, J acutifolia, J brasiliana, J cuspidifolia, J curialis,
J cabiuna, J rosa, J tan, and J bico-de-pato.
J mimosifolia, also known as the mimosa-leaved jacaranda, Brazilian Rosewood,
mucakaranda (Kikuyu), and mucakalanda (Kamba), is currently classified under
the family Bignoniaceae (ICRAF, 1992; Blatter and Millard, 1954;
Chittenden, 1951). This family takes its name from Bignonia, a name derived
from Abbe Jean Paul Bignon (1662 - 1743), Librarian to Louis XIV of France
(Bor and Raizada, 1982; Blatter and Millard, 1954).
Botanists have in the past held divergent views regarding the delimitation of this
family (Bignonia). Modern research has resulted in the family, as conceived by
Bentham and Hooker with its 150 genera, being broken up and the majority of its
species transferred to other genera. The species of the genus Jacaranda, as known
to horticulturalists, have been valued for many years on account of the beauty and
profusion of their flowers (Bor and Raizada, 1982).
ICRAF describes J mimosifolia as a deciduous tree growing up to 20m in height,
with fern-like leaves, and flowers that are a striking mauve-blue and bell-shaped.
The tree produces fruit in the form of rounded, woody capsules which later split
21
while on the tree to release numerous light seeds with transparent wmgs
(ICRAF, 1992) (Plate 2.2).
Plate 2.2 J mimosifoliafruit (pods)
(Source: Plant Adviser, 200 I: 2)
2.3.2 Propagation
J mimosifolia can be propagated in a number of ways. According to Blatter and
Millard (1954) it can be propagated by half-ripened wood cuttings. Seedlings and
wildlings (self-germinated seeds) are currently more popular forms of propagation
22
(Storrs, 1995; ICRAF, 1992). Fresh seed has a germination capacity of 50-92%,
and generally no seed pre-treatment is required (Hong et ai, 1996). Seedlings and
wildlings are the more common forms of propagation in both Machakos and
Nairobi, because the germination capacity of seeds is relatively high, and seed
treatment not a necessity. Wildlings, on the other hand, are simply left in situ, or
transplanted to desired sites. Both methods are relatively easy.
Further studies on the propagation of J mimosifolia have also been carried out,
and include three by Galati and Strittmatter (1999a; 1999b; 1999c), and more
specifically on 'ovule ontogeny and megasporogenesis', 'microsporogenesis and
microgametogenesis', and 'correlation between pollen development and Ubisch
bodies ontogeny'. (Table 2.1).
2.3.3 Management
J mimosifolia needs considerable care during the first two years, requiring
weeding, regular watering and staking until well established (Bekele- Tesemma
et al, 1993). J mimosifolia is also generally known to be a fast growing plant.
Poynton (1984) reported an annual growth rate of 1.0 m or more, although trees
have been known to achieve an annual growth rate of 3 m per year during the first
two years, and 1 m in subsequent years on good sites (Bekele- Tessema et ai,
1993). It is also considered a greedy feeder (deep rooted and competitive), with
few plants or crops being able to grow below it (ICRAF, 1992). Tree management
23
practices such as lopping, pollarding, coppicing and pruning can be carried out on
young trees (ICRAF, 1992).
2.3.4 Uses of J. mimosifolia
The jacaranda tree has many uses. These include ornamental functions, carvings,
source of nectar, medicine and other uses such as fuelwood, poles, posts, fodder,
mulch and windbreaks. They are briefly outlined below.
Blatter and Millard (1954: 94) stated that J mimosifolia is 'a very beautiful tree
with foliage resembling that of the Albizzias or Mimosas', subsequently ranking it
among the best flowering trees or shrubs for sub-tropical and tropical regions.
According to them, it makes a "useful avenue tree". Consequently, J mimosifolia
is found frequently as a "street tree", and occasionally in parks and gardens
(Storrs, 1995). Its use as a street tree is as a result of its beauty when in full flower
(Plate 2.3). At other times it is thought to be neither particularly beautiful nor
useful as a shade tree (Storrs, 1995).
It may be pointed out that J mimosifolia is not found in forest plantations, but
mainly in urban areas as part of urban and peri-urban planting, because of its value
as an ornamental tree (Choge, 2000), and to a lesser extent noise pollution control
and micro-climate moderation (FAO, 1992).
24
Since J. mimosifolia is said to be very beautiful when in flower, it serves both
environmental and aesthetic purposes, for example, the Jacaranda festival at
Grafton in Sydney Australia (Department of Arts, Heritage and Environment et ai,
1985). Grafton is also known as the "City of Trees" due to its street tree planting
policy, where a Jacaranda Avenue even exists. Elsewhere, in South Africa, there
exists a Jacaranda City, located 50km north of Johannesburg, noted for its more
than 70,000 J. mimosifolia trees (Wombat, 2001). A Jacaranda Avenue also exists
in Nairobi, located off Gitanga Road, besides along Kenyatta Avenue, Uhuru
Highway, Koinange Street, and University Way, among other streets. In
Machakos town, it is found planted by the Municipal Council along the Nairobi-
Machakos Road, and Machakos-Kathiani Road, among other roads.
J. mimosifolia has a number of aesthetic and structural characteristics that make it
suitable for wood carving. These include its colour, odour, growth rings, wood
grains, wood texture, rays, pores and density. Together, these characteristics
determine the overall attraction and subsequent price carved articles fetch.
J. mimosifolia is consequently categorised as a possible alternative wood carving
species of medium potential (Muga et ai, 1998). Its timber is also said to be good
for interior carpentry and tool handles (among other items) (Storrs, 1995; Bekele-
Tesemma et ai, 1993; Streets, 1962).
25
Plate 2.3 Ornamental and Shade Functions of J mimosifolia as a Street Tree
r·--··----·---·--·· .
(Source: Plant Adviser, 2001: 1)
Murless (1994) recommended bee keeping for urban areas where J mimosifolia is
present, because of comparatively higher honey yields and higher financial returns
on investment. This recommendation is based on a floral calendar given for King
William's Town, South Africa, where the main sources of surplus honey included
J mimosifolia.
In South and Central America, barks and leaves of J mimosifolia are used in the
treatment of skin diseases and glandular ailments (Storrs, 1995). In Colombia, "an
26
infusion of the leaves is taken as a pectoral; the powdered leaves are used as a
vulnerary (wounds); an infusion of the bark is used as a lotion to wash ulcers; and
the bark and the leaves are given internally for syphilis and blennorrhagia" (Blatter
and Millard, 1954: 94). In Guatemala and Mexico, the bark and roots of
J mimosifolia are used to treat syphilis (as opposed to the use of bark and leaves
in Colombia). Infusions of the flowers (ethanol extract) are also used to treat
amoebic dysentery in Guatemala and Mexico (Magnez et al, 1996;
Perez-Gutierret et al, 1994). No literature was found concerning medicinal uses of
J mimosifolia in Kenya and the rest of Africa.
Other uses of J mimosifolia include poles, posts, fuelwood, fodder, mulch and
windbreaks. Timber is moderately heavy (Muga et al, 1998) and easy to use, thus
it is used for interior carpentry, poles and posts. The species also provides
fuelwood (Bekele- Tesemma et al, 1993; Streets, 1962). Nag et al (1994) has
provided information on proximate composition and polyphenol content of
J mimosifolia leaves. Leaf contents of dry matter, crude protein, ash, crude fat,
crude fibre, nitrogen free extract (NFE), polyphenols and minerals such as sodium
(Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P) and iron (Fe) are highlighted.
When used as mulch, bark extracts suppress the hatching of larval soil nematodes
(Rafiq et ai, 1991). Finally, trees serve as important windbreaks, especially in
urban areas (Bekele-Tesemma et ai, 1993), where they improve the micro-climate,
cut noise transmission, and reduce dust and wind (FAa, 1992).
27
2.3.5 Other Studies Carried Out on J. mimosifolia
Numerous studies have been carried out on J mimosifolia throughout the world.
However, no inventory has so far been carried out exclusively on J mimosifolia in
Kenya, or a study aimed at assessing its suitability as an alternative wood carving
tree species (Table 2.1).
Table 2.1 Summary of Other Studies Carried out on J mimosifolia
Location Area of Study Source
India Production of Hydroquinone from Subramanian et al (l973)
leaves
Pests - Orthezia insignis (lantana Siddappaji et al (1986)
bug) and Saissetia coffeae
Kenya Occurrence of African mistletoe on Omunyin and Wabule
certain trees (1996)
Honeyfungus in Agro-Forestry Paterson and Mwangi
(1996)
Mexico city Urban street trees Benavides and Segura
(1996)
Argentina Pest - Phytoliriomyza jacarandae Salvo and Valladares
(1997)
South Africa Pest - Leaf mining agromvzid Neser (1997)
Argentina Ontogeny of ovule and Galati and Strittmatter
megasporogenesis (1999)
Microsporogenesis and Galati and Strittmatter
microgametogenesis (1999)
Correlation between pollen Galati and Strittmatter
development and Ubisch bodies (1999)
ontogeny
Native flora among the street trees Mendez (2000)
in towns in Mendoza, Argentina
28
2.4 WOOD CARVING CONSIDERATIONS
Wood carving is said to be both an art and a craft (Blandford, 1959). Art in Africa
has always been mainly functional, and consequently exists as a vital part of
everyday life, inseparable from the performance of daily tasks and the fulfillment
of human needs. African art has been related to clothing; housing and household
objects; religious and ceremonial practices; economic need; transportation; wars
and hunting; and entertainment. Art objects have always served a purpose in
African society, and the fact that they were appealing to look at was of secondary
importance (Marshall, 1970).
In recent times, Africa has been best known for its wood carvings, and art exported
has consisted of masks and animal figures in particular (Marshall, 1970). African
wood carvings have 'proliferated throughout centuries and fill collections in
museums and galleries' (Newman, 1974: 245). African wood carvings are also
claimed to be 'symmetrical and static' (Newman, 1974: 261).
Any wood may be carved, with varying results, but wood is a natural product, and
characteristics vary between the different trees and even between different
members of the same family. This variation is said to make woodwork interesting.
Woods are either categorised as hard or soft, based on the job at hand, and using
sight and feel. This is because not all softwoods are soft, or all hardwoods hard.
The first stage in any wood carving exercise, therefore, is to decide what type of
29
wood one wants to use. The attractions of hardwoods to carvers lie in their ability
to stand firm, shape and shine well, and to withstand the assault on them by tools
(Muga et ai, 1998; Blandford, 1959).
Wood for carving should usually be of uniform, even grain, free from large knots
or violent contrasts in the appearance of the grain (Blandford, 1959). Bentham
(1978) further suggests that wood for carving should be well seasoned and kept in
cool, airy conditions, protected from rain and hot sun. Muga et al (1998) go
further to recommend that characteristics relevant for wood carving include
conversion, handling, wood working and durability. Conversion is the behaviour
of the wood during sawing; handling the behaviour of the wood during
drying/seasoning; wood working the performance of the wood during planing,
polishing, and varnishing; and durability the resistance to decay or attack by
insects in favourable conditions. The sum of these factors dictates the price of the
product.
Salient macroscopic features important for widely used wood carving species in
Kenya include: Heartwood darker than sapwood, non-irritating odour, minute
pores and rays, fine to medium wood texture, straight grains, and distinct growth
rings. High wood density is an important feature, with most tree species' densities
ranging from 0.60 g/crrr' to 1.23 g/cnr'. Wood hardness is also important and most
of the indigenous wood carving species commonly used are moderately hard to
30
very hard (4 to 20 KN) (Muga et al, 1998). Important microscopic features
include minute rays (1 - 3 cells wide); pores solitary or in radial multiples of 2 or
more; vessels with simple perforations; very thick walled fibres; and few
parenchyma cells (Muga et aI, 1998).
Macroscopic features of J mimosifolia, on the other hand, include a creamish
white colour of the heartwood, based on a freshly cut longitudinal surface.
Its odour (obtained from freshly cut green samples) is distinct but non-irritating.
The growth rings are distinct, and the wood grains straight to wavy. Wood texture
is medium, and rays (ray size based on tangential section) are visible to the naked
eye. Pores (where pore size is obtained from a cross-section surface of wood) are
not visible to the naked eye. Basic density, obtained from ratio of oven dry weight
of wood to green volume, is 0.49g1cm3, and this is said to be moderately heavy
(Muga et al, 1998).
2.4.1 The Wood Carving Industry in Kenya
The first functional wood carving co-operative society was formed in 1965 at
Wamunyu, Machakos District (Choge, 2000). The carving industry now spreads
over the 'carving country' (Obunga, 1995: 3), which is mainly the Eastern, Central
and Coast Provinces in Kenya (Figure 2.1)
31
Figure 2.1 Spread ofthe Wood Carving Industry in Kenya
NANYUKI
N A I V ASH A -\
••••1TI!!'--_
•M A KIN 0 U (1975)
lU.X
. International Boundor~ ..... _
Location at the current woodcarving
Cooperatives ..... _............•
o 100 200km........._--&.._-_ ....
32
( 1985 )
u (1919)
.MALI N01 (1986)»>:-:-:-:.:'.........
/
_ M0/M B A ~>~-:·:~·:i·9:68)
.: .. .". "
.... '
. .. "
'0'.·. "..... . ',
• LUNGA·(··~:NGA
Source: Ch09.(2000)
Currently, the Kenyan wood carvmg industry supports approximately 80,000
wood carvers, with an estimated 500,000 dependants (WWF, UNESCO, 2000).
Wamunyu (Yathui Division), in Machakos District has the highest concentration
of carvers. Production in the industry is built around families and kinship, with
distinct gender differentiation in labour: males play a greater role in the
preparation and carving activities while women form the majority in the finishing
line in the industry (Table 2.2). However, boundaries separating male and female
tasks are breaking up or overlapping as socio-economic circumstances shift
(Choge, 2000). The industry embraces all age groups between 16 and 92 years
old. Household incomes vary widely, and are largely dependent on one's skills in
carving. The industry is characterised by low literacy rates, with majority of the
youth being primary school dropouts (Obunga, 1995).
A survey carried out by Obunga (1995: 43) on the persons, businesses and trade
organisations involved in internal and export trade in wood carvings in Kenya
initially identified that 'the wood carving industry in Kenya is tourist-focused'.
Major destinations of exported wood carvings include U.S.A., Japan, Botswana,
Spain, U.K., Germany, France, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and South Africa,
among others.
33
Table 2.2 Gender Differentiation in the Wood Carving Process
Gender Tasks Tool(s) Used
Male Cross-cutting of wood Saw
logs to desired sizes
Major shaping of a Adze, saw and knife
sculpture
Fine carving Sharp knife
Female Coarse filing Rough file
Fine filing Fine file
Removal of file scratches Knife
Correction of defects Glue
Coarse sanding Coarse sandpaper
Painting Paint
Fine sanding Fine sandpaper
Drawing of patterns, Paint, beads
decorations, etc
Polishing Cloth
(Source: Choge, 2000: 19)
Approximately 7,000 mJ of wood is used annually, which is equivalent to 50,000
trees, or ten trees per hectare of natural closed-canopy forest in Kenya (Hoft, 2000;
WWF, UNESCO, 2000). Wood carving consumes considerably lower amounts of
wood than timber, for example, and can be included in the NTFPs category
(Musabe, 2001). Kenyan wood carvings are worth more than KShs 1.5 billion per
year (WWF, UNESCO, 2000) and export earnings are as high as KShs 264 million
per year (Hoft, 2000).
Carvers depend on wood from forests, farms and bush land, as well as on
customers who buy their products. Both wood supplies and numbers of buyers
have decreased in recent years, creating hardship for the Kenyan carvers and their
34
families (People and Plants, 1999; Marshall and Jenkins, 1994). This situation
exists partly due to demand for particular species, but primarily due to multiple
demands made on the same resource. Wood carvers compete with other users
seeking fuel wood, material for fencing, furniture and construction
(Obunga, 1995;Marshall and Jenkins, 1994).
Socio-economic and resource surveys by Choge (2000) and Obunga and Sigu
(1998) revealed a high preference by the wood carvers on a limited number of
preferred species such as Dalbergia melanoxylon, Olea europaea subspecies
africana, Brachylaena huillensis and Combretum schumanii. This preference is
based on the tradition in the industry, which has resulted in over-exploitation of a
few select species to the extent that some have experienced population declines.
The studies further revealed that owing to the shortage of preferred species,
carvers have been experimenting with alternative species (both indigenous and
exotic) in an effort to meet the ever increasing demand for wood carving products.
Availability of alternative species offers opportunity for species selective
harvesting and trade, which would enable recovery of wild stocks of over
exploited species (Muga et ai, 1998).
Wood carvmg species utilized in Kenya can be classified into three mam
categories, that is, major, minor, and alternative (Muga et aI, 1998). The major
ones are those that are the most popular and those found in almost all wood
35
carvmg centres, such as Mpingo (D. melanoxylon), African brown
olivelMutamaiyu (0. europaea subspp. africana), Muhugu (B. huillensis), and
Mgurure/ebony number 2 (c. schumanii). The minor carving species are those
occasionally used as alternatives to the most popular ones and most are historically
linked to the origin of wood carving in Ukambani (Choge, 2000; Ndambiri, 2000).
These include Mwangati (Terminalia spinosa), Muhutu/Muuku (T. brownii),
Mbambaro (T. kilimandscharicai, Mutula (T. prunoides), Mjafari (Zanthoxylum
chalybeum), Muthea (Cordia sinensis), and Mukau (Melia volkensiiy. The
alternative species are those that have not been widely used for wood carving but
have potential. These include Neem (Azadirachta indica), Grevillea/Mukima
(Grevillea robusta), Jacaranda (J mimosifolia), and MangolMwembe (Mangifera
indica), among others (People and Plants, 2000; Muga et aI, 1998).
B. huillensis (muhugu) constitutes by volume the largest proportion of all timbers
supplied and used in the industry (Choge, 2000; Obunga, 1995). D. melanoxylon
(mpingo) is by volume the most valuable of all the carving timber species, and has
been used longest in the industry (Saoshiro, 2001; Obunga, 1995). 0. europaea
subspecies africana constitutes by proportion the second largest volume carved
and exported after Muhugu in the industry (Obunga, 1995). Choge (2000)
however ranks Neem (Azadirachta indica) as second, as per volumes carved
between the years 1998 and 2000. C. schumanii has been used sparingly in the
industry in the past. However, with the increasing scarcity of Mpingo with which
36
it shares certain attributes (dark colour, durability and hardness), it is fast gaining
prominence, especially as a substitute of Mpingo, hence the name 'ebony number
two' (Obunga, 1995: 6).
A distinct player involved in the wood carvmg industry is the Kenya Crafts
Co-operative Union (KCCU), established in 1982, which compnses SIX wood
carving co-operative societies and serves as an umbrella organisation. KCCU was
formed to 'facilitate export of carvings' and to perform other regulatory functions
such as 'eliminating destructive competition, standardizing the product prices and
consolidation of resources to meet large export orders' (Choge, 2000: 12).
KCCU has started addressing the issue of shortage of raw materials as a priority
area. Unfortunately, these efforts are not being well co-ordinated uniformly across
all the co-operatives. However, the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is
contributing financially through a 3% surcharge of carving sales it markets on
behalf of KCCU. MCC is a development and relief agency of the Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ churches in North America (Choge, 2000).
Obunga (1995) identified three other segments in the Kenyan wood carvrng
industry, and categorised them as either operators/owners of modem
curio/souvenir shops; stall holders/Jua Kali; or indigenous wood carvmg
entrepreneurs. The first category, comprising of operators or owners of modem
37
curio or souvenir shops, are concentrated in top class hotels such as the Hotel
Intercontinental, The Hilton, The Stanley, Serena Hotel, and prime downtown
areas within the Central Business District (CBD) of large towns such as Nairobi
and Mombasa. These operators/owners not only dominate the curio/souvenirs
retail trade, but also playa major role in facilitating the export trade. Members of
this group are generally formally educated, and have exposure and varying lengths
of experience that enables them to exploit wider and diversified markets locally
and abroad. The Asian community dominates this category.
The second category comprises stall holders who are mostly illiterate or semi-
illiterate. A majority acquired foothold in the business through long years, with
most having held their stalls since the post-independence era. Also in the second
category are members of Jua Kali, who range from licensed sidewalk/alley/curio
kiosk operators, to mobile vendors. They operate from small wood, polythene-
covered or tin structures. Wares for sale are either manufactured by them or
obtained from co-operatives, other Jua Kali groups, individual carvers or
middlemen. The Maasai Market that operates on Tuesdays near the Globe Cinema
roundabout is, according to NCC, said to be a better-organised version of this
category.
38
The third category comprises indigenous wood carvmg entrepreneurs,
characterised by individuals working from their homes, villages or market centres.
These individuals supply their wares to middlemen, co-operatives or Jua Kali
groups.
2.5 SUMMARY
Various studies have been carried out on J mimosifolia to enable society to view it
as not existing only for aesthetic purposes. This is also the view of the wood
carving industry in Kenya, where a constant worry on availability of wood carving
material exists. No inventory has so far been carried out exclusively on J
mimosifolia in Kenya .. This study takes a step in this direction, though in select
areas. A gap also exists in specific uses of J mimosifolia in Kenya, which the
study attempts to fill.
39
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1· SAMPLE SELECTION
Study units were selected using stratified random sampling (Babbie, 1992; Elmes
et ai, 1985; Oppenheim, 1982; Casley and Lury, 1981; Meyers et ai, 1978).
In Machakos, AEZs principally served to guide in sample selection. Here,
climatic conditions (mainly rainfall) in which J mimosifolia thrived (Section
2.3.1) served as guides to selecting relevant AEZs. The selected AEZs were then
tallied against Administrative Divisions for effectiveness in approaching resource
persons and key informants.
In Nairobi, on the other hand, Administrative Divisions served solely as guides to
sample selection. This is because AEZs are not utilized in Nairobi, it being
viewed as an industrial or commercial centre, and not as an agriculturally
productive area (Government of Kenya, 2000; Hickman and Dickins, 1979).
A mini-survey was carried out on wood carvers and tree nursery attendants/owners
in both Machakos and Nairobi (Sections 4.10 and 4.11). The snow ball method
(Casley and Lury, 1981) was used here, and like an actual snow ball that
continuously collects snow when rolled, respondents suggested other possible
respondents when being interviewed, for example, a wood carver interviewed in
40
one Administrative Location told of one or more in another Administrative
Location or Division. This method was employed where it was not easy to obtain
possible respondents, as such was not expressly common information.
3.1.1 Machakos District
AEZs referred to in the Machakos Development Plan are derived from those
suggested by Jaetzold and Schmidt (1983) so using these as guidelines was
deemed more accurate for purposes of stratification in sample selection. When
assessing AEZs in which J mimosifolia would grow (average annual rainfall
exceeding 900mm), the following AEZs were selected: 1h2, urn2, urn3, and urn4
(Table 3.1).
A map was then obtained from the Machakos District Agriculture Office, in which
AEZs had been superimposed on Administrative Divisions (Figure 3.1). This
made it possible to randomly select one Administrative Division to represent the
AEZ in which it was present, resulting in three Divisions to be studied - Kathiani,
Mwala, and Matungulu (Table 3.2). Kathiani Division was randomly selected
from a choice of 2 Divisions to represent AEZ 1h2. However, AEZ urn2 occurs
mainly in Kathiani Division (Table 3.1), so Kathiani Division was again selected
to represent AEZ urn2. Mwala Division was randomly selected from a choice of 3
Divisions to represent AEZ urn3, and Matungulu Division randomly selected from
a choice of6 Divisions to represent AEZ urn4 (Table 3.2 and Figure 3.1).
41
Table 3.1 Possible AEZs in which J mimosifolia can be found in Machakos
AEZ Altitude Annual Description Divisions
(metres) Rainfall Represented
(mm)
Lh2 1830 -2130 1000 -1300 Lower Central,
Highland Zones Kathiani
Um2 1400 - 1770 970 -1200 Upper Midland Kathiani only
Zones
Um3 1400 - 1830 900 -1050 Upper Midland Kangundo,
Zones Mwala,
Matungulu
Um4 1340 - 1830 700 - 950 Upper Midland Kangundo,
Zones Mwala,
Matungulu,
Kathiani,
Central,
Kalama
(Source: Jaetzold and Schmidt, 1983: 153)
Table 3.2 Sample Selection in Machakos District
AEZ Divisions Division Sample Units per
Represented Randomly AEZlDivision
Selected to
Represent AEZ
Lh2 Central, Kathiani Kathiani 30
Um2 Kathiani only Kathiani 30
Um3 Kangundo, Mwala 30
Mwala,
Matungulu
Um4 Kangundo, Matungulu 30
Mwala,
Matungulu,
Kathiani, Central,
Kalama
42
Figure 3.1 AEZs and Administrative Divisions in Machakos
Source: Mochokos District Development Pion (1997- 2001)
43
At the request of the researcher, the Machakos District Agriculture Officer
contacted the three concerned Division Agriculture Extension Officers (Kathiani,
Matungulu and Mwala Divisions). A list of respondents for each of the 4 AEZs
relevant to this study was then compiled from the lists of plot
owners/tenants/trustees in the area, from which a random selection of respondents
was made in each AEZ. Together with the researcher, accessibility to respondents
mapped out. Two Chiefs in Kathiani Division, 4 Extension Officers (2 in Kathiani
Division, 1 in Mwala Division, and 1 in Matungulu Division), and two elders (1
from Kathiani Division and 1 from Matungulu Division) served as key informants.
The Agriculture Extension Officers, who also acted as guides at this time,
introduced chiefs and elders to the researcher. Five reserve respondents from each
AEZ were also selected in case of failure to meet a selected respondent.
The total sample population considered adequate by the researcher for both study
areas was between 200 and 300. The number 241 was randomly selected using the
ballot method, where ballots consisted of numbers from 200 through to 300.
Sample units were then divided into two to cater for the two study areas. Although
the 2 study areas have different areas, population density and economic activities,
it was thought an equal number of sample units would enable comparison based on
equal sample numbers. Machakos was therefore to have a total sample population
of 120, and divided equally between the 4 relevant AEZs for consistency, this
resulted in 30 samples per AEZ. A mini-survey was carried out on wood carvers
44
and tree nursery attendants/owners for the purpose of strengthening information
obtained from plot owners/tenants/trustees and the literature survey. Sample units
from the mini-survey were not included in this figure of 120 sample units, so as
not to interfere with the uniformity of samples between Machakos and Nairobi.
3.1.2 Nairobi Province
As was stated in Chapter 1, Nairobi Province is the administrative headquarters of
Kenya, and the main centre for economic activities. Zonation of Nairobi is based
on administrative guidelines, and not AEZs, as it is not considered an
agriculturally productive area, due to the economic activities taking place.
Sample selection for study of J mimosifolia based on AEZs in Nairobi was not
possible hence Administrative Divisions were used. Because four AEZs in
Machakos were seen relevant to the study, an equal number (4) of Administrative
Divisions in Nairobi would be proper (Table 3.3). Four Divisions were randomly
chosen and they were Kibera, Westlands, Dagoretti, and Central (Figure 3.2).
Further, the sample population of 121 for Nairobi was more or less equally divided
between the four Divisions (30 samples per Division for 3 Divisions, and 31 for 1
Division) (Table 3.3).
45
Table 3.3 Sample Selection in Nairobi Province
Administrative Division Sample Units per Division
Kibera 30
Westlands 30
Dagoretti 30
Central 31
At the request of the researcher, District Officers (D.Os.) of the 4 relevant
Divisions were contacted by a senior D.O. in Nyayo House (Nairobi). The 4 D.Os
in Nairobi in turn referred the researcher to key resource persons such as a Chief
from Kibera Division, 2 NCC officials from Central Division, and an elder from
Dagoretti Division. These resource persons assisted in the compiling of lists of
plot owners/tenants/trustees from which a random selection of respondents was
made in each Division. Five reserves from each Administrative Division were
also selected in case of failure to meet a selected respondent. A mini-survey was
also carried out on wood carvers and tree nursery attendants/owners in Nairobi
(over and above the sample population of 121).
46
.j;>.
-.I
o 50 100 200km
t • • •
p
~
F": .. .........•.
~ ). /~ ..l /'r-· ...1""'" /'s i ,> ~. •
l: '.' <, J' "......"J.: .. .: .• .: ~." "\. J' '.
~~.-../.: : -:.:-:.: '.' ...••.•• K A SA RAN I )-·"._.r·, r" '.--/...... ..' '-' \. '.. . . . . . . . '. '-J.. ,. '. ..........• I •rI .....··w E .~.TLA ND~ ••••,••(::::::.;:i::v' (,)
/~. : ..••••.: ••.• : ••: ':' .' '.: . : /: ";':'-'::~C E N T R A L •./.....',' .:..'. :-.~.>'.: '.. ' ,'. '.' ../~.<.~:.. .....--"\ JI D4 .' '.- .. ' .. , · .• 0 eO. r- . __ r.'. .. GO IY . '.': ' : .>,:...... \ \. •.,." ._._ •••••j ·.·;.·.~tii·· ~..;..·~·...':: EMBAKASI
('\. •../ ••..~..~:-- -,; : u~.··.··..,\ -,: ..: ..:'.,... /
\ : : ~ .. K I B ERA'·' '.' .': .. >'" r> /\< ::-:~':.'-::,.:::'.':..:.;: .'.:~"..' ::':...::..:...::'.:'.:.::.:..'<.<> ~~<. /' Locati~n Boundary ...........•••••••••.•••,. ' ' . .. ' ' ,
.,:: : : ::-- - .. _. - . ....:- . .:..:..;,.:'.\ Area of study LJ:::· .'"'- . /' /'. ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .'~~,,,,,,,-, "-.-""\ N A '- I .: :::. : :
.'-. J ROB , '- .. ' '.'
'"""",.- ""\ '--------------
')Noti 011 Q I '1
" '--.e~r k '"~ .")
-+-
Source: Survey of Ke n yo
~~.
~
~N
l'oo
~_.o::3o.....,
ir:['-<
~~~S·
Z~.ag:
3.2 DATA COLLECTION
3.2.1 Socio-economicMethods
These included use of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Methods that
incorporate techniques of data collection such as questionnaires, individual
interviews, focus group discussions, direct observation, and tools such as
checklists and observation sheets (Emerton et ai, 1995). This study made use of
questionnaires, individual interviews with key resource persons, focus group
discussions and direct observation.
The questionnaire (Appendix I) was deemed appropriate for this study because of
its ability to cover desired topics and questions. Individual interviews were
applied where respondents were illiterate or could not for one reason or another
complete the questionnaire personally, and for the focus group discussions
(Appendix II). Observation sheets (Appendix III) were used in the inventory
exercise of J mimosifolia, and aided in standing volume calculations.
As was highlighted in Table 3.2 and Table 3.3, sample units in the study area were
divided between AEZs/Administrative Divisions. Key informants did not form
part of the sample population, except if they could also be categorised as either
plot owners/tenants/trustees, as was sometimes seen in the case of Government
land. Their purpose in this study was to provide background information on the
48
area in which they were present, secure guides within their area, and assist in
enabling accessibility to respondents.
Lists of respondents in both Machakos and Nairobi were obtained with the
assistance of the key informants mentioned above, who had access to information
on plot owners/tenants/trustees. Sample units consisting of wood carvers and tree
nursery attendants/owners were over and above those assigned to plot
owners/tenants/trustees in both Machakos and Nairobi (Table 3.4).
Three questionnaires were designed for purposes of this study (Appendix I) and
they aimed at capturing information from plot owners/tenants/trustees, wood
carvers, and tree nursery personnel. The questionnaire designed for plot
owners/tenants/trustees (Appendix I (a)) consisted of open- and close-ended types
of questions, as well as one question to obtain an opinion on sale of J mimosifolia
to wood carvers (Bayle, 1988; Oppenheim, 1982). The questionnaire designed for
the mini-survey on wood carvers (Appendix I (b)) consisted solely of open- and
close-ended types of questions. The purpose of the questionnaire was to obtain
information from wood carvers that would contextualise and provide a link
between the information obtained from plot owners/tenants/trustees and the
literature survey. The questionnaire designed for the mini-survey on tree nursery
attendants/owners (Appendix I (c)) consisted of open- and close-ended types of
questions.
49
Table 3.4 Summary of Respondents/Key Informants in Machakos and Nairobi
RESPONDENTS/KEY STUDYAREA
INFORMANTS
Categories Machakos Nairobi
Plot
owners/tenants/trustees
Lh2 / Kathiani 30 -
Um2 / Kathiani 30 -
Um3/Mwala 30 -
Um4 / Matungulu 30 -
Kibera - 30
Westlands - 30
Dagoretti - 30
Central - 31
Sub-Total 120 121
Wood Carvers
Society 1 1
Individual 1 2
Sub-Total 2 3
Tree Nursery
Attendants/Owners
Women Group 4 -
Individual 1 2
Municipal Council 1 -
City Council - 1
Sub-Total 6 3
Key Informants
DOs - 5
Chiefs 2 1
District Agriculture
Officer 1 -
Extension Officers 4 -
Elders 2 1
NCC Officials - 2
Sub-Total 9 9
GRAND TOTAL 137 136
50
Questions for individual interviews were based on those present in the
questionnaire, but summarised into checklists (Appendix II). As stated in Section
3.3.1, interviews were utilized where respondents for one reason or another could
not complete the questionnaire personally. This was found in cases where
respondents were either illiterate, or too busy to settle down and study a
questionnaire then fill it out. The latter consisted of Chiefs in both Machakos and
Nairobi, administrators in institutions, and NCC officials, among others (Table
3.4). The primary advantage where interviews were utilized was the flexibility in
the exercise (Emerton et ai, 1995).
Focused group discussions were useful where a range of opinions and perspectives
were sought concerning J mimosifolia from members of wood carvers
co-operative societies (Wetaa Co-operative Society in Machakos and NCCU in
Nairobi); groups who own and run tree nurseries (Kiembeni, Kipera and Kauti
Women Groups in Kathiani Division, and Maindu Self Help Group in Iveti
Division, Machakos); and public trustees such as Nairobi City Council and
Machakos Municipal Council officials. Group sessions were guided by the
questions present in the questionnaire and summarised into checklists (Appendix
II).
5\
Direct observation when interviewing respondents was additionally utilized to
support the questionnaires and checklists, for example, when something was
hinted at by a respondent or left unsaid for one reason or another. A case in hand
was seen when interviewing NCC officials in Nairobi. Tension was noted when
discussing Council policy towards felling trees, which is a 'No Fell, No Sell'
policy (Section 4.9). What was actually happening on the ground was the
opposite.
3.2.2 Inventory Methods
These included tree counts, tree height, and tree diameter measurements
(Philip, 1983). Observation sheets were used to record results (Appendix III). The
results of this exercise enabled estimation of tree totals per Administrative
Division, AEZ, or District/Province. J mimosifolia tree distribution in the
different regions was calculated based on figures obtained from the tree counts
(Section 4.2).
Tree height measurements recorded in this study were height of first branch,
merchantable height, and total height. Measuring the height of the first branch
was necessary in the case of J mimosifolia because it is a multiple-stemmed tree
(MacDicken et ai, 1991). This means that it commonly branches from below l.3m
(traditional point of measurement of trunk diameter). In this case, each stem is
then considered as a trunk, and treated as such in its own right (Philip, 1983).
52
Consistency of measurement once a definition has been arrived at gives credibility
to a study (MacDicken et aI, 1991). This study utilized the traditional point of
measurement of trunk diameter, where branching below l.3m resulted in
classifying a tree as multiple-stemmed and taking measurements of the branches as
trunks.
The second height measurement taken in the inventory was merchantable height,
also known as commercial height. It refers to the minimum acceptable height
(length for logs) as defined by the user, for example, logs for sawing and those for
firewood would have different commercial (merchantable) lengths
(MacDicken et ai, 1991). Wood carving, depending on the size of the carving
desired, can use varied sizes of logs, from very large to very small. This feature
translates to a high merchantable height of a standing tree, because the branching
as one moves higher up the tree would not drastically reduce its commercial value.
Measurement of merchantable height of J mimosifolia for purposes of wood
carving therefore meant that height measurements were made up to almost the
smallest branches. However, despite the fact that total height, rather than
merchantable height measurements were used in standing volume calculations,
merchantable height was in many cases very close to the total height.
Total tree height measurements were also made. Macfricken et al (1991) defined
53
total height as the vertical distance from the average ground line to the apical bud,
excluding leaves and terminal inflorescence extending beyond this point.
For the three tree height measurements mentioned above, an indirect method was
used that employs trigonometrical principles. This is possible by use of a Haga
Hypsometer, used in this study, from which angle readings are taken at the base
and top of a tree from a fixed distance, and the difference calculated as the height
of that tree. This method is more accurate and simpler than those employing
geometric principles (Philip, 1983).
Tree diameter measurements utilized in this study were basal diameter and
diameter at breast height (dbh). The forester's traditional standard measurement of
diameter is at breast height (dbh) or l.3m above ground level (MacDicken et ai,
1991; Philip, 1983). In the standing volume calculations, dbh measurements were
important so as to enable accounting for each multiple stem. The above
measurements were made using a diameter tape, which gives direct diameter
readings, and requires no further conversion (Philip, 1983).
The inventory methods of tree counts, height and diameter measurements used in
this study were then utilized to derive standing tree volumes (Section 4.2).
Plot sizes were converted to m2 to ease standing tree volume calculations in rrr'.
54
3.2.3 Standing Tree Volume Calculation
Standing tree volumes were calculated based on the formula:
where g = cross sectional area (m2)
h = height (m)
f= 1.44
a co-efficient employed to reduce the volume of a cylinder,
(v = g.h), to that of a tree or log (Philip, 1983: 21, 55-6).
3.2.4 Secondary Methods
Additional secondary data was obtained from books, magazines, journals,
newsletters, and the Internet.
3.3 DATA ANALYSIS
Data collected was first collated, then assigned into numeric codes (Oppenheim,
1982; Casley and Lury, 1981). All the three questionnaires were designed such
that vital statistics on the respondents were sought first, and included variables
such as sex, district, division, location, and AEZ, among others.
55
When coding the variable of sex, for example, males were assigned the number 1,
and females the number 2; Machakos District was assigned the number 1 and
Nairobi Province the number 2. This was carried out on every question in the
three questionnaires, and the coded information then subjected to analysis. Data
analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 6.1
(SPSS 6.1) and Microsoft Excel version 5.0 (MS Excel 5.0). Descriptive variables
such as sex, land ownership, district, AEZ, incidence/ presence of Jacaranda,
reasons for planting it, uses, and opinions on sale to wood carvers were analysed
using descriptive statistics such as cross-tabulations and frequencies. Relationship
strength, using linear regression (Confidence Level 95%) was used to test strength
of relationship between incidence of Jacaranda and land ownership. Single factor
ANOVA tests were also carried out, with Confidence Levels set at 95%, for the
following variables: Standing volumes between Machakos and Nairobi; tree
distribution between Machakos and Nairobi; incidence of Jacaranda between
Machakos and Nairobi; reasons for planting Jacaranda between Machakos and
Nairobi; and opinions on sale between Machakos and Nairobi (Appendix IV).
3.4 SUMMARY
Samples used for this study (plot owners/tenants/trustees) were selected using
stratified random sampling. In Machakos, AEZs and Administrative Divisions
were used, while Administrative Divisions only were used in Nairobi.
A mini-survey on wood carvers and tree nursery attendants/owners, on the other
56
hand, utilized the snow ball method in sample selection. Although Machakos and
Nairobi have different areas and socio-economic profiles, an equal number of
sample units for plot owners/tenants/trustees were utilized so as to enable
comparison based on equal sample numbers.
Data was collected from the study area using questionnaires, checklists and
observation record sheets. Standing tree volumes of J mimosifolia were
calculated based on a given formula and data analysis carried out using descriptive
statistics as well as linear regression and single factor ANOV A tests.
57
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1· INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents and discusses results from plot owners, whether private or
representatives of institutions. Findings from a mini-survey carried out on wood
carvers and tree nursery personnel in both Machakos and Nairobi are also
discussed.
4.2 Standing Volumes and Distribution of J. mimosifolia
There was no significant difference (p = 0.12) in standing volumes between
Nairobi and Machakos (Appendix IV). Within Nairobi, standing volumes were
highest in Westlands Division (213.47m\ followed by Kibera (l16.88m\
Dagoretti (22.40m3) and Central (22.19m3) Divisions (Figure 4.1). Standing tree
volumes were highest in Westlands Division because of the presence of City Park,
where over 1000 trees were noted. Kibera Division followed in standing tree
volumes because of the presence of Karen and Lang'ata Locations, where it was
noted most plots were occupied by foreigners, and the emphasis on beautification
high.
58
- 250C')E- 200CDE:::J 150 -
0>en 100c
'"CJ 50cJ!
U) 0
Kibera Westlands Dagoretti Central
Administrative Division
- ---------_._--------------_._-----_._--_._----_._--
Figure 4.1 Estimated Standing Volume of J mimosifolia in Nairobi
Within Machakos, standing tree volumes were highest in AEZ um3 (25.09m\
followed by 1h2(6.34m\ um4 (3.72m3) and um2 (2.37m3) (Figure 4.2). Standing
volumes in Machakos were highest in AEZ urn3 because of Mwala Division. This
Division is associated with very early settlement of missionaries, as can be
evidenced by the presence of missionary-run Kabaa High School in Mbiuni
Location, which, according to the Headteacher at the time of this study, was
established in 1924. This means that the idea of planting trees for aesthetic
purposes was introduced quite early in this area, back as far as 1923, said to be
when the missionaries came to the Division.
59
- 30 -M.§. 25
CDE 20:::s
0 15 ->
C) 10r:::
"Cr::: 5J!en 0
1h2 um2 um3 um4
AEZ
Figure 4.2 Estimated Standing Volume of J mimosifolia in Machakos
Regarding tree distribution, there was again no significant difference (p = 0.10) in
number of jacaranda trees between Machakos and Nairobi (Appendix IV).
Westlands Division in Nairobi had the highest number of trees (1270), followed by
Kibera (597), Central (238) and Dagoretti (59) Divisions (Figure 4.3) .
•..
CD.c
E:::s
Z
Kibera Westlands Dagoretti
Administrative Division
Central
Figure 4.3 Estimated Distribution of J mimosifolia in Nairobi
60
This difference in tree numbers and estimated standing volumes between Dagoretti
and Central Divisions can be explained by the initial care given to J. mimosifolia
seedlings. Central Division has the lowest estimated standing tree volume yet a
higher number of trees than Dagoretti Division, because seedlings nurtured at City
Park tree nurseries by the NCC for planting within Central Division are
deliberately stunted. NCC officials interviewed stated that seedling stunting is
done by regulating pot sizes, and by regular pruning, resulting in an old seedling
being unusually small for its age. This is a deliberate control to prevent street trees
from growing too wildly, and also to ensure higher chances of survival when
finally transplanted to the streets.
In Machakos, AEZ um3 had the highest number of J. mimosifolia trees (40),
followed by um2 (34), 1h2 (32), and um4 (12) (Figure 4.4). AEZ um3 had the
highest number of J. mimosifolia because of Mwala Division, for reasons stated
earlier in this Section. AEZ um2 had the lowest standing volumes yet the second
highest number of trees. This situation of very low standing volumes and
relatively higher number of trees can be explained by the presence of young
wildlings in this AEZ, which translates to young trees with lower standing
volumes.
61
50
0 40CDCDr...t- 30-0r...
CD 20.c
E:::J 10z
0
1h2 um3um2 um4
AEZ
Figure 4.4 Estimated Distribution of J. mimosifolia in Machakos
Ranking of J. mimosifolia standing volumes and distribution between the
AEZs/Divisions in both Machakos and Nairobi are summarised in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Ranking of J. mimosifolia Standing Volumes and Distribution III
Machakos and Nairobi
Region Jacaranda mimosifolia
Volume Distribution
Rank mJ Rank No.oftrees
NAIROBI
Kibera 2 116.88 2 597
Westlands 1 213.47 1 1270
Dagoretti 3 22.40 4 59
Central 4 22.19 3 238
MACHAKOS
Lh2 2 6.34 3 32
Um2 4 2.37 2 34
Um3 1 25.09 1 40
Um4 3 3.72 4 12
62
Standing volume of J mimosifolia estimated in this study is relatively low,
considering estimated consumption rates in the wood carving industry of 308 m3
per annum (Choge, 2000). Unless strategies are put into place to increase
J mimosifolia populations, its utilization by the wood carving industry will not be
a viable venture.
4.3 Land Ownership
Land ownership was sought to provide insight into accessibility to standing
J mimosifolia by wood carvers and other interested parties. A majority (65%)
of the plots studied in Machakos were privately owned, followed by plots owned
by schools (23.3%,) and those owned by different denominations of churches
(11.7%). In Nairobi, a majority (57.5%) of plots studied were also privately
owned, followed by plots owned by churches, schools, and other land owners such
as the NCC, KNH, an orphanage, a depot, and oil companies (Table 4.2).
Table 4.2 Categories of Plot Owners Studied in Machakos and Nairobi
Category of Owner Machakos (%) Nairobi (%)
Private 65.0 57.5
Schools 23.3 1.7
Churches 11.7 6.7
Others N/A 34.1
NB: N/A = Category not applicable in region
63
A significant relationship (r2 = 0.000227) was noted between land ownership and
incidence/presence of J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi (Appendix IV).
This means that incidence/presence of J mimosifolia was influenced by the
different categories of land owners, for example, a majority of private plot owners
in Nairobi said they valued trees that were pleasing to look at, and therefore
planted jacaranda for purely aesthetic functions.
4.4 Incidence/presence of J. mimosifolia
Plots sampled were randomly selected and incidence/presence of J mimosifolia
noted. In both Machakos and Nairobi, a majority of the plots sampled did not
have J mimosifolia, although a significant variation (p = 0.01) was seen to exist in
incidence of J mimosifolia between Machakos and Nairobi (Appendix IV). Units
without J mimosifolia were important to the study to prevent bias in standing
volume calculations (Table 4.3). This is also illustrated in Figure 4.5.
Table 4.3 Estimated (%) Incidence/Presence of J mimosifolia in Machakos and
Nairobi
Region J. mimosifolia J. mimosifolia
Preseot (%) 0=98 Absent (%) 0=143
Machakos 31.7 68.3
Nairobi 49.6 50.4
64
80
I/) 60 -Q)I/)c:
0 40 -Q.
I/)Q)... 20~0
o -
II Present
• Absent
fv1achakos Nairobi
Region
Figure 4.5 Incidence of J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi
The reason why a large majority of plots studied in Machakos (68.3%) did not
have J mimosifolia can be explained by taking into consideration the main activity
in this region. Agriculture is the mainstay of this region, and with jacaranda being
viewed as competitive, it is seen to have little or no known value to farming
systems (lCRAF, 1992). This therefore means it has generally little value in this
particular region. In Nairobi, the ratio between plots that had jacaranda present
and those that did not is smaller because the land use here is different (economic),
and planting of trees for purely aesthetic purposes is practiced. This situation
confirms the relationship mentioned in Section 4.3, concerning incidence of
J mimosifolia and land ownership, that is, in Nairobi private plot owners as well
as representatives of institutions claimed to have planted jacaranda for aesthetic
purposes (Section 4.6) while in Machakos preference was given by land
owners/tenants/trustees to trees that were agriculturally beneficial. The absence of
65
J mimosifolia on plots in Machakos and Nairobi was explained by various reasons
(Table 4.4). Reasons such as J mimosifolia not being common in a particular
area, that it has low survival rates, or is not economically viable can be used to
explain the low standing volumes in Machakos.
Table 4.4 Reasons Cited for Absence of J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi
Reason for Absence of J. % Responses % Responses
mimositolia (Machakos) (Nairobi)
No particular reason 24.4 42.6
Not common in area 24.4 N/A
Greedy feeder 19.5 14.8
Messy 9.8 14.8
Low survival rates 7.3 N/A
Tree cut down 4.9 8.2
Personal dislike of tree 4.9 N/A
Not economically viable 2.4 N/A
Not recommended by
spouse 2.4 N/A
Compound too small N/A 9.8
Deliberate decision by plot
owner N/A 3.3
Tree rotted with age N/A 1.6
Roots spread too wide N/A 1.6
Seedlings too sensitive N/A 1.6
Shady crown N/A 1.6
NB: N/A = reason not cited in respective area
For Nairobi, reasons such as a compound that is too small to accommodate such a
tree, roots that spread too wide, and a crown that is too shady can be explained by
the general differences in plot sizes between Machakos and Nairobi (Government
of Kenya, 2001). Many plots studied in Machakos were generally larger than
66
those in Nairobi, and could therefore accommodate the presence of trees.
Jacaranda trees that had been felled due to decaying were seen only in Nairobi.
That Jacaranda trees are left to rot implies that alternative uses of it had previously
not been exhaustively explored.
4.5 Planting Dates of J. mimosifolia
On those plots where J mimosifolia was present, date of planting was noted. This
would enable working out of ages of standing J mimosifolia. In Machakos, most
respondents (42.2%) claimed to have planted it between the years 1981 - 1990,
which means that most of the trees studied were approximately 20 years old at the
time of this study. Further investigation revealed that in the 1980s, the Ministry of
Agriculture, together with. the Forest Department, embarked on a tree-planting
campaign. A variety of seedlings were offered to farmers, and many were of
J mimosifolia. No plots in Machakos were found to have J mimosifolia planted
earlier than 1950. For self-propagated seedlings (wildlings), plot owners estimated
their ages by disclosing when they had first started noticing them on their land
(Table 4.5).
In Nairobi, the highest number of respondents (31.3%) claimed to have planted
J mimosifolia in the 1960s, meaning that most of the trees studied were
approximately 40 years old at the time of this study. Some respondents (6.7%)
claimed theirs had been planted as early as 1920, and others (0.8%) as recently as
67
those in Nairobi, and could therefore accommodate the presence of trees.
Jacaranda trees that had been felled due to decaying were seen only in Nairobi.
That Jacaranda trees are left to rot implies that alternative uses of it had previously
not been exhaustively explored.
4.5 Planting Dates of J. mimosifolia
On those plots where J mimosifolia was present, date of planting was noted. This
would enable working out of ages of standing J mimosifolia. In Machakos, most
respondents (42.2%) claimed to have planted it between the years 1981 - 1990,
which means that most of the trees studied were approximately 20 years old at the
time of this study. Further investigation revealed that in the 1980s, the Ministry of
Agriculture, together with. the Forest Department, embarked on a tree-planting
campaign. A variety of seedlings were offered to farmers, and many were of
J mimosifolia. No plots in Machakos were found to have J mimosifolia planted
earlier than 1950. For self-propagated seedlings (wildlings), plot owners estimated
their ages by disclosing when they had first started noticing them on their land
(Table 4.5).
In Nairobi, the highest number of respondents (31.3%) claimed to have planted
J mimosifolia in the 1960s, meaning that most of the trees studied were
approximately 40 years old at the time of this study. Some respondents (6.7%)
claimed theirs had been planted as early as 1920, and others (0.8%) as recently as
67
1990 (Table 4.5). The reason why a great number of J mimosifolia had been
planted in the 1960s, according to NCC officials interviewed, can be attributed to
the rigorous urban planting policy engaged in by the NCC immediately prior to
and after Kenya's Independence.
Incidences of trees being planted in the 1960s were also seen in areas such as
Karen and Westlands, which can be termed as 'older' settlements, set aside earlier
in the development of Nairobi for residential purposes, especially for the
colonialists (NCC, 1961). Interestingly, one respondent claimed his J mimosifolia
had been planted as early as 1920 by his parents, who had left records to confirm
this. This was seen in Karen area, Kibera Division.
Exact planting dates were not as easy to obtain in Nairobi as in Machakos, as
many respondents had occupied the land relatively recently, for example,
administrators (in institutions), tenants, and on land recently purchased. These had
found J mimosifolia already present.
J mimosifolia is considered fast growing (Poynton, 1984), attaining maturity after
approximately 20 years (ICRAF, 1992). It can therefore be concluded that most of
the jacaranda trees studied in Machakos are ready for harvesting, while those in
Nairobi are over-matured and in some cases decaying. This translates to questions
68
arising on the wood quality from such trees, the effect on criteria for preference,
and eventual effect on price of products (Muga et aI, 1998).
Table 4.5 Estimated Planting Dates of J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi
Planting Date 0/0 responses % responses
Machakos Nairobi
1920s 0 6.7
1940s 0 13.4
1950s 5.3 20.2
1960s 21.1 31.1
1971-1980 15.9 19.3
1981- 1990 42.2 8.4
1990s 15.9 0.8
4.6 Reasons for Planting and Uses of J. mimosifolia
Respondents were asked why they had planted J mimosifolia, as a way of
assessing what plans they had for it. A significant variation (p = 0.03) was seen to
exist in reasons for planting J mimosifolia between Machakos and Nairobi
(Appendix IV).
Most respondents in Machakos (40.9%) planted J mimosifolia to provide shade,
followed by aesthetic purposes (29.5%). A few respondents (2.3%) stated they
had no idea concerning the reasons for planting J mimosifolia as they had found it
already present during acquisition of the land. They, however, appreciated its
presence, especially for aesthetic purposes. Others in this category had noticed the
seedlings only after a time due to its own natural propagation and spread
69
(wildlings) (Table 4.6). Respondents representing churches and schools in
Machakos planted J mimosifolia for aesthetic purposes; shade functions; boundary
demarcation; windbreak and soil conservation.
When asked why they planted J mimosifolia, a majority of respondents (47.4%) in
Nairobi claimed to have planted J mimosifolia for aesthetic purposes, followed by
shade functions (37.1%) (Table 4.6). A number of respondents in Nairobi (0.9%)
also stated that they had no idea concerning> the reasons for planting
J mimosifolia as they had found it already present on their land when they
acquired it. They, however, appreciated its presence, especially for aesthetic
purposes.
Table 4.6 Reasons Cited for Planting J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi and
their Ranking
Reason Machakos (%) Rank Nairobi (%) Rank
Shade Functions 40.9 1 37.1 2
Aesthetic Purposes 29.5 2 47.4 1
Soil Conservation 6.8 3 0.9 6
Boundary demarcation 2.3 6 8.6 3
Windbreak 3.4 5 1.7 5
Avenue enhancement N/A N/A 3.4 4
Firewood 4.5 4 N/A N/A
Timber 2.3 6 N/A N/A
Fodder 2.3 6 N/A N/A
No idea 2.3 6 0.9 6
NB: N/A = reason not cited in respective area
70
It is seen that respondents from Machakos had agriculturally-oriented functions
primarily in mind when planting J mimosifolia, due to the general land use of the
area, while respondents from Nairobi had aesthetic purposes as the primary
reasons for planting J mimosifolia. Avenue enhancement is one aspect of
aesthetics. Aesthetic purposes, not easily quantifiable in monetary terms, explains
why most private plot owners in Nairobi stated they were unwilling to sell
J mimosifolia to the wood carving industry, and indicates a conflict of interest
between aesthetic functions and wood carving, which should be considered when
sourcing for the wood carving industry.
Uses of J mimosifolia were investigated in this study to establish extent of
utilization. Those cited by respondents in Machakos included shade functions;
provision of firewood; aesthetic purposes; to foretell the onset of rains
('time' rain); boundary demarcation; soil cover; source of income; windbreak;
poles and posts (construction); timber; provision of seeds; compost; and
environmental amelioration (Table 4.7).
It is noted that despite 24.6% of respondents stating they used J mimosifolia as a
source of firewood, complaints were made about it being a rather 'light' species.
This meant that its wood burnt too rapidly, therefore necessitating use of higher
volumes, considered a waste of a precious resource.
71
Concerning the use of J. mimosifolia to forecast weather (foretell the onset of
rains) in Machakos, 6.2% of the respondents stated that this involved noting the
flowering patterns. Respondents stated that when it flowered, it was a sign of
coming rains, and that it would take raindrops to 'drop' the flowers.
On the other hand, uses cited by respondents in Nairobi included aesthetic
purposes; shade functions; boundary demarcation; firewood; avenue enhancement;
windbreak; carvmg; construction; soil conservation and environmental
amelioration (Table 4.7).
Table 4.7 Uses of J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi, and their Ranking
Use Machakos (%) Rank Nairobi(% ) Rank
Shade Functions 43.1 1 38.1 2
Firewood 24.6 2 3.2 4
Aesthetic Purposes 6.2 3 42.1 1
'Time'rain 6.2 3 N/A N/A
Boundary demarcation 4.6 5 7.1 3
Soil cover 3.1 6 N/A N/A
Source of Income 3.1 6 N/A N/A
Windbreak 1.5 8 2.4 5
Poles and posts 1.5 8 N/A N/A
Timber 1.5 8 N/A N/A
Provision of seeds 1.5 8 N/A N/A
Compost 1.5 8 N/A N/A
Env. amelioration 1.5 8 0.8 9
Avenue enhancement N/A N/A 2.4 5
Carving N/A N/A 1.6 7
Construction N/A N/A 1.6 7
Soil Conservation N/A N/A 0.8 9
NB: N/A = use not cited in respective area
72
When ranking uses of J mimosifolia in Machakos, the highest rank is given to
shade functions, followed by firewood. In Nairobi, use of J mimosifolia for
aesthetic purposes is ranked highest, followed by shade functions.
In reviewing reasons cited for planting J mimosifolia and its uses, a few points can
be made. In both Machakos and Nairobi, more uses were stated than reasons for
planting, that is, respondents may not have known the reasons existing for planting
J mimosifolia, but when present on their plots, they made as much use of it as
possible. This translates to a higher unwillingness to sell to the wood carving
industry because the general feeling was that jacaranda trees present on plots
would always be useful in future in one way or another. Additionally, institutions
in both Machakos and Nairobi were particularly seen to value quite highly the
aesthetic functions J mimosifolia performed, hence a high reluctance to sell to
wood carvers (Table 4.10).
4.7 Felling and Re-planting of J. mimosifolia
This was investigated in the study so as to assist in identifying existing utilization
and management practices associated with J mimosifolia. The trend in both areas
was not to fell J mimosifolia as the aesthetic purposes it fulfilled prevented this.
It was also not considered a 'high priority' tree for more important uses such as
firewood and/or fodder (Table 4.8), and was therefore felled only when absolutely
necessary.
73
Table 4.8 Incidences of Felling of J.mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi
Region Fell (%) n = 17 Do Not Fell (%) n = 81
Machakos 21.1 78.9
Nairobi 15.0 85.0
In Machakos, private plot owners felled the trees for construction purposes, while
trees' near churches were felled when they posed danger (falling branches), and in
schools to provide firewood (Table 4.9). Private plot owners in Nairobi cited three
reasons for felling J. mimosifolia, and these were to enable replacement with other
tree species; construction; and when the tree posed a danger. Respondents
representing institutions in Nairobi, for example, the Tea Board of Kenya, St.
Nicholas PCEA, Uhuru Park and Central Park, claimed to fell J. mimosifolia for
construction and when it posed a danger. Felling of J. mimosifolia so as to replace
it with other tree species was, therefore, cited only by private plot owners in
Nairobi (Table 4.9).
Table 4.9 Reasons for Felling J. mimosifolia Based on Category of Owner in
Machakos and Nairobi.
Region Category of Owner Reason for Felling
Machakos Private Construction
Churches Pose Danger
Schools Source of Firewood
Nairobi Private Replacement
Construction
Institutions Pose Danger
Construction
74
Concerning re-planting of.! mimosifolia in Machakos, no private plot owner
re-planted after felling. Respondents claimed that re-planting was not necessary
due its quick re-sprouting nature (coppicing). Only respondents from schools
claimed to re-plant .! mimosifolia after felling, because it had been planted for
aesthetic purposes, and they wanted this maintained. The coppices were in some
cases not considered as beautiful as the original branching pattern.
In Nairobi, respondents who re-planted .! mimosifolia included private land
owners and respondents representing NCC. The latter is the only institution that
did not supposedly actively fell .! mimosifolia, but waited for it to fall/die due to
natural causes or accidents, before replacement, due to its strict policy of nature
conservation. Further, only those private land owners who planted.! mimosifolia
for aesthetic purposes re-planted after felling.
This implies a need for sensitization among plot owners in Machakos and Nairobi,
on the importance of re-planting. This will be useful if.! mimosifolia populations
are to be maintained or even increased, so as to cater for the wood carving
industry, as well as personal use.
4.8 Opinions on Sale of J. mimosifolia to the Wood Carving Industry
A significant variation (p = 0.0001) was seen to exist in opinions on sale of
.! mimosifolia to wood carvers between respondents in Machakos and Nairobi
75
(Appendix IV). In Machakos, respondents from institutions who were not willing
to sell, or strongly objected to the idea of selling to the wood carving industry each
accounted for 44.4% of responses. A majority (88.8%) of respondents
representing institutions therefore disagreed with the idea of sale. This was
because many did not have the mandate to consider selling their
J mimosifolia, as this would require the joint decision of a Board. In some cases,
the institution already had a strict no-felling or -selling policy. Only 11.1% of
respondents from institutions in Machakos stated they would be willing to sell
J mimosifolia to the wood carving industry (Table 4.10).
From private plot owners in Machakos, 70% stated they would be willing to sell
J mimosifolia to the wood carving industry. They stated that it would be a
welcome source of income, and an incentive for them to plant more. Twenty
percent of respondents stated they were not willing to sell, and 10% strongly
objected to the whole idea (Table 4.10). Private plot owners should therefore be
approached and strategies laid down on how the wood carving industry can
collaborate with them towards sourcing wood.
The highest number of respondents (75.9%) representing institutions in Nairobi,
stated they strongly objected to the idea of sale, as they had not planted for sale,
and wanted to maintain the beauty of their compounds. From private plot owners,
a majority stated they would not be willing to sell, followed by those who strongly
76
objected to the idea. Consequently, only 16.1% of private plot owners expressed a
willingness to sell (Table 4.10). This implies that despite there being higher
standing volumes of J mimosifolia in Nairobi than Machakos, this can generally
be considered inaccessible to the wood carving industry.
Table 4.10 Institutional and Individual Responses in Machakos & Nairobi on
Opinions on Sale of J mimosifolia to the Wood Carving Industry
Option on Machakos Nairobi
Sale Institution Individual Institution Individual
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Strongly
Agree 0 0 0 3.2
Agree 11.1 70.0 13.8 12.9
No Opinion 0 0 0 3.2
Disagree 44.4 20.0 10.3 41.9
Strongly
Disagree 44.4 10.0 75.9 38.7
It can therefore be seen that only private plot owners in Nairobi stated they would
be definitely willing to sell J mimosifolia to the wood carving industry, although
very few. Again, only private plot owners in Nairobi stated they had no opinion
regarding the issue. Generally, a majority of private plot owners from Machakos
stated they would be willing to sell to wood carvers, while a majority of
institutions in Nairobi strongly disagreed with the idea of sale to wood carvers
(Table 4.10).
From the information presented above, it can be seen that it would be difficult for
the wood carving industry to obtain J mimosifolia from institutions in both
77
Machakos and Nairobi, and private land owners in Nairobi. There is, however,
possibility of access to J. mimosifolia from private plots of land in Machakos,
where land owners foresee better economic returns from wood carving, compared
to other uses such as construction.
4.9 Actual Sale of J. mimosifolia Logs to the Wood Carving Industry
Respondents were asked whether they had made any actual sales of J. mimosifolia
to the wood carving industry. In Machakos, no respondent interviewed claimed to
have sold any J. mimosifolia logs to the wood carving industry. In Nairobi, only
the NCC had made actual sales, and more specifically, respondents representing
Uhuru Park and Central Park, despite the fact that it was illegal and went against
NCC environmental management policies. This further indicates the low level of
awareness concerning J. mimosifolia as an alternative wood carving tree species.
4.10. WOOD CARVERS
In Machakos, members of Wetaa Co-operative Society were based at Wetaa
Market (Mwala Division), and the carver working independently was based at his
home in Tala town. In Nairobi, the two individuals interviewed were operating
from Kuona Trust, based at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), while NCCrJ
is based at Gikomba.
78
When asked which woods they carved from, wood carvers from Machakos stated
that they used quite a variety of indigenous as well as exotic tree species, including
Mahogany (Brachylaena huillensisi, Yellow wood (T browniii, Ebony (Dalbergia
melanoxylon), and Jacaranda (J mimosifolia). Wood carvers interviewed in
Nairobi seemed to utilize a wider variety of woods, such as Yellow wood
(Terminalia browniiy, Grevillea (Grevillea robusta), Jacaranda (J mimosifoliay;
Mango (Mangifera indica), Blue gum (Eucalyptus spp.), and Mukinduri (Croton
megalocarpus), among other indigenous species.
All carvers interviewed stated they had carved from J mimosifolia. However, this
was on an on-and-off basis. Reasons given for using J mimosifolia by carvers in
Machakos were that it is more readily available than indigenous species; is easy to
work with; has a good colour; is soft; seasons fast; and does not crack easily.
Reasons mentioned in Nairobi included it being a fast growing species, therefore
better supply than indigenous species was assumed; acquires a good shine upon
polishing; and is not very susceptible to beetle attacks. Reasons given for carving
from J mimosifolia cited only in Machakos were because it has a good colour and
stains well, while reasons cited only in Nairobi were because it is not very
susceptible to beetle attack, and acquires a good shine upon polishing. When
asked how many years the respondents had worked as carvers, it was seen that the
period ranged between 10 and 15 years in Machakos, and 3 and 15 years in
79
Nairobi. This illustrated that J mimosifolia is a relatively old carving tree species
in the Kenya wood carving industry.
Logs of J mimosifolia were sourced from Mwala, Masii, Kangundo, Wetaa,
schools, hospitals and government areas such as prisons in Machakos. In Nairobi,
logs were sourced from Karen, Westlands, Ngong, Lavington, Kiambu, Forest
Department sales, middlemen, Ngecha (Limuru) and the Village Market (off
Limuru Road, Nairobi).
Estimated prices quoted by wood carvers for obtaining J mimosifolia logs from
various sources ranged from being given free, to KShs 1800 for a pickup load
(1 tonne) in Machakos. In Nairobi, pickup loads generally cost between KShs
1500 - 5000. Transport costs incurred ranged from KShs 400 - 2000 in
Machakos, andKShs 1500 to 3000 in Nairobi.
Concerning re-planting efforts of wood carving tree species, both respondents
from Machakos were aware of such, while only one respondent in Nairobi
(NCCU) was aware of such. Areas named where re-planting efforts are taking
place are Mango and Wamunyu in Machakos, and Gikomba in Nairobi. Only the
individual carver in Machakos, and the NCCU in Nairobi claimed to be actively
involved in these re-planting efforts.
80
From the wood carvers, it was seen that carving from J mimosifolia is already
taking place, although only relatively small amounts are utilized. Reasons given
for carving from J mimosifolia were numerous, and highlighted its positive
qualities. Sourcing was considered relatively easy, although transport rates were
deemed high. Re-planting, however, is not being aggressively carried out by wood
carvers, and is an area that requires urgent attention.
4.11 TREE NURSERIES
A mini-survey was also carried out on tree nursery attendants/owners in both
Machakos and Nairobi (Appendix I (c)). This aimed at investigating management
practices associated with J mimosifolia by using occurrence of nurseries stocking
J mimosifolia seedlings as an indicator of its availability and popularity.
Nine nurseries were represented in the survey, six from Machakos and three from
Nairobi. Respondents from Machakos included one individual running his own
nursery in Mutituni Location of Central Division; the Machakos Municipal
Council tree nursery in Machakos town; and four women groups managing group
nurseries, namely, Kiembeni, Kipera, and Kauti Women Group in Kathiani
Division, and Maindu Self Help Group in Iveti Division. Respondents from
Nairobi included two individuals running their own nurseries (Ngong Road and
Karen area), and the City Park Lower Nursery, that supplies most of the seedlings
planted in the whole of Nairobi area by the NCC.
81
A variety of seedlings were stocked. In Machakos, these included seedlings of
common trees such as Cassia siamea, Cassia spectabilis, Grevillea robusta,
Casuarina equisetifolia, Cypress spp, Pinus spp, Eucalyptus spp, Terminalia spp
and J. mimosifolia, among others. Fruit trees such as loquat, guava, avocado,
mango, pawpaw, and lemon were also stocked. Flowers such as Bouganvillea
were very common, and the Kei Apple for fencing. In Nairobi, over 15 species of
tree seedlings was seen, and included J. mimosifolia, Grevillea robusta, Ficus spp,
Casuarina equisetifolia, Bombax (Chorisia speciosa), Cassia spp, Cypress spp,
Pinus spp, Spathodea campanulata, Terminalia spp, Brachylaena huillensis,
Azadirachta indica, Acacia spp, and the Bottlebrush tree, among others. A wide
variety of flowers were also stocked, and included geraniums, roses, lilies and
Bouganvillea, among others. Shrubs were also included, and Kei Apple seedlings
were stocked in thousands, especially in the private nurseries in both Machakos
and Nairobi.
Respondents were asked about the prices at which they sold their stock, which
would indicate popularity and accessibility of seedling. Seedlings were generally
cheaper in Machakos, with Kei Apple being sold at KShs 5 per seedling bag in
most nurseries. This low price was explained because large amounts are required
at anyone time. Tree species prices ranged from KShs 3-5, with J. mimosifolia
being sold at KShs5 per seedling where available. In Nairobi, Kei Apple, among
the more popular seedlings, was sold at KShs 10per seedling bag. Tree seedlings'
82
prices ranged from KShs 10-340, depending on the nursery site, types and age of
seedlings, popularity of certain species, and nursery care required. J. mimosifolia
seedlings were being sold at KShs 50 in most places. Flowers were going for as
much as KShs 300 and above per plant.
Approximately 500 J. mimosifolia seedlings were present 10 three nursenes
surveyed 10 Machakos, and approximately 900 seedlings 10 three nursenes
surveyed 10 Nairobi. Three nursenes surveyed in Machakos did not stock
J. mimosifolia, while all the three surveyed in Nairobi stocked it. This can be seen
to indicate a higher availability and popularity of J. mimosifolia in Nairobi than in
Machakos. This information coincides with the information presented in Section
4.4. Those respondents who stocked J. mimosifolia seedlings in Machakos said
they did so because there was market available; demand for the seedlings; they
were beautiful; fast growing; provided firewood; windbreak; timber and
construction material. J. mimosifolia seedlings as a source of income and their
being easy to care for were also cited as reasons for stocking them. Those
respondents who did not stock J. mimosifolia seedlings in Machakos cited a
scarcity of seeds, no market in that particular area, and insufficient knowledge on
methods of sowing and care of seedlings.
All the nurseries surveyed in Nairobi stocked J. mimosifolia seedlings, and the
following reasons were cited by respondents: beauty; market available; fast
83
growmg species; easy to care for in the nursery; and a common species.
Availability of seeds for sowing, and its feature as a multi-purpose tree were also
cited.
Concerning sowmg material, in nursenes m Machakos where J. mimosifolia
seedlings were to be found, seeds were used, while in Nairobi seeds as well as
wildlings (City Park) were used. Nursery owners in Machakos obtained
J mimosifolia seeds from either free collection from farms, or purchases from
Katumani Research Station. In Nairobi, nursery owners obtained seeds through
free collection from farms, purchase from farms or purchases from City Park.
Base material used to plant seedlings composed of manure; red soil; forest soil;
loam; silt; sand; fertilizer; or sewage. In Machakos, manure, when used, was
obtained from either nearby forests or farms; red soil from farms and forests;
forest soil from forests; loam from farms; silt and sand from riverbeds; and
fertilizer from Kathiani Market. Nursery owners used what they thought was the
best material depending on where they were located, for example, if near rivers,
then it was possible to use silt and/or sand, while those who could afford fertilizer
used it.
84
In Nairobi, loam used was obtained mainly from farms; forest and red soil from
Ngong Forest or City Park; processed sewage from NCC (City Park); and manure
from farms or grazing areas around Ngong area.
Buyers of J. mimosifolia seedlings in Machakos included the Municipal Council
from its own nursery, farmers, and group members in the case of women groups.
In Nairobi, buyers included the general public, and the NCC (from City Park).
From the nursery personnel, it was seen that large varieties of flowers, shrubs and
trees were stocked. J. mimosifolia seedlings were however only found in half the
tree nurseries surveyed in Machakos, as compared to Nairobi where all the tree
nurseries surveyed stocked the tree. This indicates a higher popularity of
Jacaranda in Nairobi, as compared to Machakos. Consequently, Jacaranda
seedlings are more readily available to buyers from Nairobi. A number of reasons
were given for stocking Jacaranda seedlings, as well as their sources. Buyers of
seedlings were seen to be very varied, but interestingly, no wood carver was
mentioned.
4.12 SUMMARY
Higher standing volumes of J. mimosifolia were recorded in Nairobi than in
Machakos. J. mimosifolia studied in Nairobi was also generally older than that
studied in Machakos, thereby raising concern on wood quality and eventual effect
85
on product prices. The different categories of land owners had an effect on
incidence/presence of J mimosifo/ia, depending on the reasons for planting, and
use made of the trees. Opinions on sale to the wood carving industry were
influenced by type of land ownership, reasons for planting, and uses. Generally,
those land owners who planted J mimosifolia mainly for aesthetic purposes were
institutions in both Machakos and Nairobi, and private plot owners in Nairobi. A
high unwillingness to sell was evident among these groups. Only private plot
owners in Machakos exhibited a high willingness to sell, since this would be a
welcome source of income, and an incentive to plant more jacaranda trees.
Strategies should be put in place to bring the wood carvers and plot owners
together. All the wood carvers interviewed in this study claimed to have carved
from jacaranda. Those interviewed in Machakos were aware of re-planting efforts
of J mimosifolia, while only one respondent in Nairobi was. All the tree nurseries
surveyed in Nairobi stocked J mimosifo/ia, while one half of tree nurseries
surveyed in Machakos stocked it. This indicates a higher availability and
popularity of J mimosifolia in Nairobi than in Machakos. Because of this, Nairobi
would be a better place to start promoting J mimosifolia as an alternative wood
carving tree species, alongside re-planting.
86
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCfION
This study investigated the possible utilization of J mimosifolia in the wood
carving industry, and was carried out in Machakos and Nairobi. Standing tree
volumes of J mimosifolia were obtained, and the extent of its utilization assessed.
Felling and re-planting were also investigated, and owners' willingness to sell to
the wood carving industry explored. This chapter presents the summary of the
fmdings of this research, conclusions drawn and recommendations made.
5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The first objective ofthis study was to estimate and compare the standing volumes
of J mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi. There was no significant difference
(p = 0.12) in tree volumes between Nairobi and Machakos. Within Nairobi,
standing tree volumes were highest in Westlands Division, followed by Kibera,
Dagoretti and Central Divisions. Within Machakos, standing tree volumes were
highest in AEZ um.l, followed by lh2, um4 and um2.
87
Regarding tree distribution, there was again no significant difference (p = 0.10) in
number of jacaranda trees between Nairobi and Machakos. Westlands Division in
Nairobi had the highest number of trees, followed by Kibera, Central and
Dagoretti Divisions. In Machakos AEZ um3 had the highest number of jacaranda
trees, followed by um2, lh2 and um4.
Westlands Division in Nairobi was, therefore, seen to have had the highest number
of jacaranda trees and the highest estimated standing tree volumes because of the
presence of City Park, followed by Kibera Division, because of Karen and
Lang' ata Locations and the settlement patterns here. In Machakos, AEZ um3 had
the highest number of jacaranda trees and the highest estimated standing tree
volumes. This AEZ was represented in this study by Mwala Division, which is
associated with very early settlement of missionaries (1920s) who planted
J mimosifolia, among other trees, for purely aesthetic purposes, and therefore
raised this awareness from an early time in the area.
However, standing volumes estimated in this study are relatively low, considering
estimated consumption rates averaging 308 m3 per annum (Choge, 2000). Further,
most of the jacaranda trees studied in Nairobi were estimated to be approximately
40 years old at the time of study, and those in Machakos 20 years old.
J mimosifolia, considered a fast growing tree (Poynton, 1984), is said to attain
maturity after approximately 20 years. This means that most of the trees studied in
88
Machakos are ready for harvesting while those in Nairobi are considered over-
matured. This raises the question concerning quality of wood originating from
Nairobi, if to be used for wood carving (Muga et ai, 1998).
The second objective of this study was to investigate the extent of utilization of
J mimosifolia by present owners and wood carvers in Machakos and Nairobi, as
well as owners' willingness to sell to the wood carving industry. The uses in
Machakos included shade functions; provision of firewood; aesthetic purposes;
weather forecasting; boundary demarcation; soil cover; source of income;
windbreak; poles and posts (construction); timber; provision of seeds; compost;
and environmental amelioration. In Nairobi, uses cited included aesthetic
purposes; shade functions; avenue enhancement; windbreak; carving; construction;
soil conservation; and environmental amelioration.
When uses were ranked based on number of respondents, shade functions were
ranked highest in Machakos, and aesthetic purposes in Nairobi. Uses such as
avenue enhancement, carving, construction and soil conservation were cited only
in Nairobi, while foretelling the onset of rains, soil cover, source of income, poles
and posts, timber, provision of seeds, and compost were cited only in Machakos.
Generally, in both Machakos and Nairobi, respondents stated very many uses of
J mimosifolia, even if the reasons for planting were sometimes not as many.
89
Concerning felling as an indicator in utilization of J. mimosifolia, 21.1%
of respondents from Machakos claimed to have felled J mimosifolia, while 78.9%
had not. In Nairobi, 15% of respondents had felled J. mimosifolia while 85% had
not. The trend in both areas was not to fell it, as the aesthetic and shade functions
it fulfilled prevented this, and it was also not considered a 'high priority' tree for
supposedly more important uses such as firewood and fodder. J. mimosifolia was
therefore felled only when absolutely necessary. This also implies little awareness
on alternative uses such as wood carving, and its possible benefits.
In Machakos, J. mimosifolia was felled solely for provision of construction
material, and in Nairobi for purposes of replacement with other tree species,
construction, and when it posed danger to inhabitants. This implies that when
sourcing logs for the wood carving industry, plot owners will have to be convinced
that felling their trees is a worthy cause, and the compensation adequate.
Concerning willingness to sell to the wood carving industry, a majority (70%) of
private plot owners in Machakos were receptive to the idea, and many stated they
would be willing to sell, claiming it would be a welcome source of income, and an
incentive to plant more jacaranda trees. Most of the respondents from institutions
such as schools and churches, however, stated they would not be willing to sell
(88.8%) due to institutional policies governing the respective institutions they
represented. This implies that when sourcing jacaranda logs from Machakos for
90
the wood carving industry, most privately owned parcels of land could be viewed
as a possibility, but not parcels of land owned or managed by institutions.
In Nairobi, a majority of private plot owners (41.9%) was not willing to sell
because of the aesthetic functions derived from J. mimosifolia. Respondents from
institutions (75.9%) also objected strongly to the idea of sale. Generally, it can be
seen that it would be difficult for the wood carving industry to obtain
J. mimosifolia from institutions in both Machakos and Nairobi, and private plot
owners in Nairobi. There is, however, possibility of access from privately owned
plots of land in Machakos. This situation is interesting, considering higher
standing volumes of J. mimosifolia were estimated in Nairobi.
Regarding actual sale, no respondent interviewed in Machakos had made a sale
of J. mimosifolia to the wood carving industry, while in Nairobi, only Nee had
made actual sales. Quite a number of plot owners interviewed in Machakos were
not aware that a market within the wood carving industry actually existed for
J. mimosifolia. Respondents representing Nee, though being the only ones who
had made some sales of J. mimosifolia in Nairobi, knew that it was illegal, based
on the Nee policy of nurturing plants. This can be considered a hint of the
direction events might take if demand for J. mimosifolia outweighs other
regulatory factors. This means that if jacaranda populations are not sufficient to
support wood carving, illegal felling may occur, thereby defeating the whole
91
purpose of providing an alternative resource so as to support the wood carving
industry and prevent further damage to Kenya's indigenous forests.
The third objective was to investigate evidence of re-planting of J. mimosifolia.
No private plot owner in Machakos had re-planted after felling, despite a higher
number of responses concerning felling in Machakos than Nairobi. Lack of re-
planting in Machakos was attributed to the coppicing (sprouting) nature of
J. mimosifolia. Only respondents from schools had re-planted, because original
planting had been carried out for aesthetic purposes, and they wanted this aspect
maintained.
In Nairobi, 23.1% of respondents interviewed had re-planted jacaranda after
felling. This number included private plot owners as well as respondents from
NCC, who had originally planted J. mimosifolia for aesthetic purposes, and also
wanted this aspect maintained.
Wood carvers interviewed in Machakos were aware of re-planting efforts while
only one group in Nairobi was, yet the wood carving industry in Nairobi is quite
highly developed (Obunga, 1995). In Machakos, re-planting efforts are taking
place in Mango and Wamunyu, and Gikomba in Nairobi. One half of nurseries
surveyed in Machakos did not stock J. mimosifolia, while all surveyed in Nairobi
did. This indicates a higher availability and popularity of J. mimosifolia in
92
Nairobi, as compared to Machakos. Nairobi would therefore be an appropriate
place to start intensive planting of jacaranda, with a view to establishing a resource
base for the wood carving industry.
The fourth and last objective was to suggest measures towards saving Kenya's
indigenous tree species while sustaining the wood carving industry. Planting of
J. mimosifolia is considered a priority if it is to shift the wood carving industry
from sole use of indigenous tree species. This requires tree nursery personnel be
sensitized about Jacaranda, and encouraged to stock it. Wood carvers should also
be targeted in the planting exercises.
From this study can also be suggested that the Government of Kenya put into place
policies that encourage planting and utilization of J. mimosifolia as a wood carving
tree species. Further, it is suggested that the Government regulate the use of
indigenous tree species for wood carving, as well as encourage aggressive
planting.
5.3 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It was seen in this study that there was no significant difference in standing tree
volumes and distribution of J. mimosifolia between Machakos and Nairobi.
However, standing volumes of J. mimosifolia estimated in this study are relatively
low, considering estimated consumption rates by the wood carving industry -
93
average 308 m' per annum countrywide (Choge, 2000). Nonetheless,
J mimosifolia is a suitable wood carving raw material, although its use will need
to be initially regulated so as not to prematurely exhaust it as a resource. Further,
very little re-planting is taking place, particularly in Machakos, where no private
plot owner claimed to have done so. Activities such as planting of J mimosifolia
should therefore be given priority if it is to sustain the needs of the wood carving
industry, and prevent further depletion of Kenya's indigenous forests. Towards
this end, tree nursery personnel should be trained in seed collection, preservation,
sowing methods, and tree management practices, as well as wood carvers being
encouraged to plant J mimosifolia. Nairobi can act as a starting point in this
venture due to the higher availability and popularity of J mimosifolia, witnessed
when interviewing tree nursery personnel. Government policies that encourage
planting and utilization of J mimosifolia, as well as regulate the utilization of
indigenous tree species should also be put into place.
A large proportion of J mimosifolia studied in Nairobi was planted in the 1960s
and is therefore considered over-matured. Wood carvers should be encouraged to
employ techniques that enable carving from wood whose quality is affected by
ageing. Such techniques would enhance more efficient use of J mimosifolia,
thereby discouraging waste of a precious resource. Fortunately, it was discovered
in the course of this study that a step has been taken in this direction by MCC,
94
through KCCU. The wood carving industry would stand to gam from more
ventures of this nature.
It was also seen in this study that there is a high possibility of access to
J. mimosifolia from privately owned plots of land in Machakos. Strategies should
therefore be put into place where plot owners willing to sell jacaranda to the wood
carving industry can come together with wood carvers to promote its utilization
and re-planting.
5.4 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Little information exists on J. mimosifolia relative to Kenya.! Studies based in
Kenya are necessary to complement those carried out elsewhere in the world, and
introduce the Kenyan situation. Possible areas of study include: ethnobotanical
studies (such as medicinal properties and uses); J. mimosifolia as a source of
nectar in Kenya; and pests and parasites of J. mimosifolia in Kenya (in addition to
those studies carried out by Omunyin and Wabule (1996), and Paterson and
Mwangi (1996).
This study attempted to estimate the standing volumes of J. mimosifolia in
Machakos and Nairobi. Studies such as this should be undertaken in other regions
of Kenya, so as to provide a clearer picture of the situation on the ground. This
can then provide insights into whether J. mimosifolia can eventually serve as a
95
sustainable alternative resource, thereby saving the wood carving industry from
imminent collapse, and protecting Kenya's indigenous forests, or not.
It would be important to the wood carving industry in Kenya for surveys to be
carried out to shed light on the infiltration and rate of utilization of J. mimosifolia.
This would complement studies such as Choge's (2000), carried out on indigenous
tree species used for wood carving.
J. mimosifolia harvested for wood carving may not always be of high quality, as
might become the case in Nairobi, where most of the jacaranda trees were seen to
be over-matured. Studies on possible techniques that would encourage efficiency
in wood carving, despite the quality of the wood, would be beneficial. This would
complement steps such as those taken by the MCC to protect the wood carving
industry from resource shortage.
Finally, it has been suggested that the wood carvmg industry in Kenya is
characterised by low literacy rates, and consequently, poverty (Obunga, 1995).
Socio-economic studies aimed at exploring ways in which the lives of wood
carvers can be improved, thus improving the way they market themselves, would
go a long way in empowering this industry, by alleviating poverty within it, and
ultimately improving the quality of life of wood carvers.
.. - .•. ,., .~." .: ':);. - t, k,7':"'.';"., "l. '\ 'I. '. ,." I
96
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103
APPENDIX I (a)
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PLOT OWNERS / TENANTS / TRUSTEES
Title: An Assessment of Jacaranda mimosifolia for Wood Carving: The Case of
Machakos and Nairobi, Kenya.
This information is for academic purposes and will be treated in strict confidence.
Kindly respond to all the questions if Jacaranda mimosifolia is present on the
parcel of land you are currently occupying.
Ifthis is not the case, kindly respond to Question 1 only.
Date: ------------------------------
Plot Size
Land Use
Ownership (own, rented, leased)
Division
Location
Sub-Location
Street/Road
AEZ (where applicable)
1a. Are jacaranda trees present on the plot? (YIN)
1b. If not, why?
2. How many jacaranda trees are present on the plot?
104
3. When were the jacaranda trees planted? (Planting Date)
4. Why were the jacaranda trees planted? (Reasons for Planting)
5. In what ways do you presently make use of the jacaranda trees? (Current uses)
6a. Do you fell jacaranda trees? (YIN)
6b. Ifnot, why?
7. For what purposes do you fell jacaranda trees?
105
8a. Do you re-plant to cater for felled trees? (YIN)
8b. Ifnot, why?
9a. Would you agree or disagree about selling your jacaranda trees to wood
carvers? (Tick one) (Opinion on Sale)
Strongly Agree No Response Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
9b. Please explain the reason for your answer.
lOa. Do you sell jacaranda logs? (YIN)
lab. To whom?
lac. At what rate?
lad. If not, why?
106
APPENDIX I (b)
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR WOOD CARVERS
Title: An Assessment of Jacaranda mimosifolia for Wood Carving: The Case of
Machakos and Nairobi, Kenya.
This information is for academic purposes and will be treated in strict confidence.
Kindly respond to all the questions if you carve from J mimosifolia.
If this is not the case, kindly respond to Question 1, Question 3 and Questions
9 - 13, where applicable.
Date: ------------------------------
Age
District
Division
Location
Sub-Location
Place of Occupation (village, market,
home, etc)
1. Which wood(s) do you carve from? (List them)
2. If you carve using jacaranda, why is this?
107
3. If you do not carve using jacaranda, why is this? (Explain)
4. How long have you been carving from jacaranda?
5. Where do you obtain jacaranda logs from? (Name your Sources)
6. How much do you buy jacaranda logs for? (KShs) (Amount and Cost)
7. What are the costs of transporting jacaranda logs? (Where applicable) + name
the transport routes + charges depending on log sizes
108
8. What other uses do you put jacaranda to, besides carving?
9a. Do you know anyone engaged in the re-planting of jacaranda? (Y/N)
9b. If no, why?
to. Where is the re-planting of jacaranda being carried out?
11. How often is the re-planting done?
12. Do you personally contribute to the re-planting of jacaranda? (Y/N)
13. How do you contribute to the re-planting of jacaranda?
109
APPENDIX I (c)
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TREE NURSERY ATTENDANTS/OWNERS
Title: An Assessment of Jacaranda mimosifolia for Wood Carving: The Case of
Machakos and Nairobi, Kenya.
This information is for academic purposes and will be treated in strict confidence.
Kindly respond to all the questions if you stock Jacaranda mimosifolia.
If this is not the case, kindly respond to Questions 1 and 4 only.
Date: ------------------------------
I Name
pate of nursery establishment
Plot Size
District
Division
Location
Sub-Location
Village
Street/Road (where applicable)
AEZ (where applicable)
1. List the tree species you stock, approximate numbers of each, and prices
fetched from sales
Tree Species Number of Seedlings Selling Price
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
110
(continued)
Tree Species Number of Seedlings Selling Price
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
III
2. If jacaranda is present, do you have any particular reason(s) for stocking it?
3a. What planting material do you use? Seeds/ Wildlings (Tick one).
3b. Where do you obtain your planting material from?
4a. What is your nursery soil composed of?
4b. Where do you obtain nursery soil from?
5. Who are the buyers of jacaranda seedlings? (List)
112
APPENDIX II
CHECKLISTS
Title: An Assessment of Jacaranda mimosifolia for Wood Carving: The Case of
Machakos and Nairobi, Kenya.
This information is for academic purposes and will be treated in strict confidence.
Instructions: Complete the table(s) below using answers given by respondents.
PLOT OWNERS/TENANTS/TRUSTEES
QUESTION OUTLINE ANSWER By RESPONDENT
Presence of jacaranda trees (General Info.)
Planting Date
Reasons for Planting
Current Uses
Felling
Re-planting
Opinion on Sale
Assessment of Sales
WOOD CARVERS
QUESTION OUTLINE ANSWER By RESPONDENT
Carving Woods (List)
Characteristics of jacaranda in Carving
Period of Carving jacaranda
Supply
Buying Prices
Transport Costs
Other uses of jacaranda
Awareness and Contribution to Re-planting
TREE NURSERY ATTENDANTS/OWNERS
QUESTION OUTLINE ANSWER By RESPONDENT
List of Tree Species Sold
Presence of jacaranda or not - Reasons
Planting material- Seeds/Wildlings,
Sources
Composition of Nursery Soil, Sources
Buyers of jacaranda
113
APPENDIX III
INVENTORY SHEET
Title: An Assessment of Jacaranda mimosifolia for Wood Carving: The Case of Machakos and Nairobi, Kenya.
This information is for academic purposes and will be treated in strict confidence.
KEy:
Plot No. = Number assigned by researcher to respondents Owner = Land ownership type Size = Plot size as given by
respondent Size (sqm) = Plot size converted to square metres Div/AEZ = Administrative DivisionlAEZ of study plot
Locn = Administrative Location of study plot Jac? (y/n) = Jacaranda present of absent
Date Planted = Planting Date of jacaranda dbh (em) = diameter at breast height in em Ht. I" br (m) = Height of 1st branch
in m Mer. Ht. (m) = Merchantable height in m Ttl. Ht. (m) = Total height in m No. branches = Number of
branches Rem. = Remarks
Date Plot Land Owner Size Size Divl Locn Jac? Date dbh Ht. 1st Mer. Ttl. No. Rem.
No. Use (sqm) AEZ (y/n) Plante (cm) br (m) Ht. Ht. branch
d (m) (m) es
114
Date Plot Land Owne Size Size Div/A Locn Jac? Date dbh Ht. 1Sl Mer. Ttl. No. Rem.
No. Use r (sq EZ (y/n) Plante (ern) br (m) Ht. Ht. branc
m) d (m) (m) hes
APPENDIX IV
DATA ANALYSIS RESULTS
1. Comparison of Jacaranda mimosifolia Standing Volumes between
Machakos and Nairobi
Anova: Single Factor VOLS
SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Nairobi
Machakos
4 374.9334 93.73335 8360.166
4 37.51613 9.379032 112.3492
ANOVA
Source of SS df MS F P-value F crit
Variation
Between 14231.3 1 14231.3 3.359404 0.116524 5.987374
Groups
Within 25417.55 6 4236.258
Groups
Total 39648.85 7
2. Comparison of Jacaranda mimosifolia Distribution between Machakos
and Nairobi
Anova: Single Factor TREE NO.
SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Nairobi
Machakos
4
4
2164
118
541 286236.7
29.5 147.6667
ANOVA
Source of SS Of MS F P-value F crit
Variation
Between 523264.5 1 523264.5 3.654282 0.104473 5.987374
Groups
Within 859153 6 143192.2
Groups
Total 1382418 7
116
3. Test of Relationship Strength between Presence of J. mimosifolia and
Land Ownership in the Study Area
Regression Statistics Jmim pres & owner
Multiple R 0.01506
R Square 0.000227
Adjusted -0.00396
R Square
Standard 0.493201
Error
Observati 241
ons
ANOVA
Of SS MS F Significance F
Regressio 1 0.013189 0.013189 0.054222 0.816073
n
Residual 239 58.13619 0.243248
Total 240 58.14938
Coefficient Standard t Stat P-value Lower Upper Lower Upp
s Error 95% 95% 95.0% 95.0
Intercept 1.582365 0.056915 27.80214 7.44E-77 1.470245 1.694484 1.470245 1.69L
X Variable 0.00367 0.015763 0.232855 0.816073 -0.02738 0.034722 -0.02738 0.03L
1
4. Comparison of Occurrence of J. mimosifolia between Machakos and
Nairobi
Anova: Single Factor jmim pres mks & nbi
SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Column 1 120 202 1.669421 0.239807 mks
Column 2 121 182 1.504132 0.252066 nbi
ANOVA
Source of SS df MS F P-value F crit
Variation
Between 1.652893 1 1.652893 6.720806 0.010114 3.880501
Groups
Within 59.02479 240 0.245937
Groups
Total 60.67769 241
117
5. Comparison between Reasons Given by Respondents for Planting J.
mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi
Anova: Single Factor Whyplnt mks & nbi
SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Column 1 120 161 1.330579 7.839807 Mks
Column 2 121 90 0.743802 1.292149 nbi
ANOVA
Source of SS df MS F P-value F crit
Variation
Between 20.83058 1 20.83058 4.562129 0.033699 3.880501
Groups
Within 1095.835 240 4.565978
Groups
Total 1116.665 241
6. Comparison between Opinions Given by Respondents on Sale of J.
mimosifolia in Machakos and Nairobi
Anova: Single Factor Sale mks & nbi
SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Column 1
Column 2
120
121
110 0.909091 1.966667mks
210 1.735537 3.329477 nbi
ANOVA
Source of SS df MS F P-value F crit
Variation
Between 41.32231 1 41.32231 15.60468 0.000103 3.880501
Groups
Within 635.5372 240 2.648072
Groups
Total 676.8595 241
118