Laikipia Nature Conservancy (LNC) executed a scale-up operation for the sustainable use of Tarconanthus Camphoratus (Leleshwa) for biomass energy and eco-charcoal production with other biproducts derived from the leaves and essential oils. The project sought to produce the first branded eco-charcoal to achieve Kenya Bureau of Standards Certification. The project aimed to produce 2040 tons of charcoal and 10,200 tons of biomass per annum directly affecting an initial 5120 households.

The project aimed to expand its biomass energy business through the production of eco charcoal, briquettes, biomass for industry and leleshwa oil/hydrolate. With a huge renewable resource asset it is in a unique position to become a regional and national supplier having proved the sustainability and opportunity of its business model through a pilot project.

Outcome and Impact:

During the project period there was production of 330 tons of biomass per month and 40 tons of charcoal was achieved. 446 tco2 a month, while the charcoal was offsetting 180 tons of illegal charcoal or 1800 tons of illegally harvested trees a month. The project employed 78 women and youth in the surrounding areas who would otherwise be unemployed. The project directly affected over 15,000 households through the use of energy efficient products.