Small scale rotational branch charcoal production for pasture/woodlot management and to supply the cookstoves, ovens and space heaters at the wonderful Sirikoi Lodge.

Also known as elephant charcoal :) 

In less than 15 years of protection - this area went from maize farms back to a wild yellow fever forest - to manage the forests around the stables they prune the branches for woodfuel. If you know about acacia thorns you know that getting the thorny branches can be a tricky business, but with a bit of help from their elephant friends......

Debarked, de-leafed and pre-cut twigs and branches :) 

In action! 

But of course with a bit of experiance one can always manually prune the branches. 

Make a clean cut in order the help the tree heal over. 

A pair of 2 year old large charcoal kilns carbonizing the sun dried branches  - these make about a bag of charcoal every day. 

 

The safari charcoal ovens ready to bake!

And when you are done cooking - this is one use for the ashes from your jiko and if you can get it, some elephant dung to plant more tree's! 

Mix the ash and elephant poop to a 1:1 ratio with some water.

Try to use seeds of tree species that would naturally be found in areas with elephants  - these shown are acacia seyal and juniperus procera (ceder)

If planting right away - pre-soak them in hot water for appx 45min. 

Roll up the potting mix and plant in the nursery.