TITLE:
Factors Influencing the Use of Improved Charcoal Kilns by Charcoal Producers in Kilindi District, Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Peter Fitwangile, Felister Mombo
KEYWORDS:
Charcoal, Kilns, Conservation
JOURNAL NAME:
Technology and Investment,
Vol.17 No.3,
August
31,
2026
ABSTRACT: Despite the increasing adoption of modern improved charcoal kilns in many developing countries, reliance on inefficient and unsustainable traditional kilns remains. This paper examines the factors influencing the adoption of improved charcoal kilns by charcoal producers in Kilindi District, Tanzania. We used a questionnaire to collect data from 200 respondents and conducted two focus group discussions. The logistic regression results reveal that the age of the respondents, participation in charcoal social networks, income level, the attitude of charcoal producers, and training on improved kilns increased the probability of charcoal producers using improved kilns over traditional kilns, where marital status reduces the possibility of a producer using improved kilns. The study concludes that a large number of charcoal producers in the study area still use traditional kilns despite the benefits of using improved kilns. In order to promote sustainable environmental protection and promote positive social and economic outcomes, it is important that charcoal producers adopt a sustainable, environmentally friendly improved kilns.