An Assessment of the Socio-economic Importance of Melia volkensii based Enterprises in Kenya

Abstract

This Melia market study as part of Extension is one of the four components of the Project on the Development of Drought Tolerant Trees species for the Drylands of Kenya, which is implemented by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This study targeting the Melia based enterprises in Kenya was carried out in Taita Taveta, Makueni, Kitui and Embu counties using a set of semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 424 respondents were sequentially sampled for the survey in the four counties with 213 respondents for round-wood/Melia timber enterprises and 211 respondents for Melia seeds/seedlings enterprises. The objectives of the study were to review, analyze and document the current status of production and distribution of quality seeds, seedlings and timber; map the M. volkensii seeds, seedlings and timber market chain and players; assess the social and economic characteristics of Melia wood producers and seed collectors; and make recommendations on how to enhance the contribution of Melia enterprises to livelihood diversification in the dry lands of Kenya. The study revealed that M. volkensii was a very important drylands species for both domestic and income generation purposes. A cost benefit analysis showed that the seed, seedlings, round wood and timber enterprises were economically viable at 10%, 15% and 20% discount rates. It was, thus recommended that stakeholders’ awareness creation and training be undertaken to enhance the rate of adoption and adaption of this tree species at the farm level in the dry lands.