An Assessment Of The Role Of Community Forest Associations In The Management Of Karura Forest Kenya

Abstract

Karura forest is located within Kenya’s capital Nairobi and for a long time, it has been under pressure from anthropogenic forces such as land grabbing, infrastructural development, and urbanization, which are a threat to continued existence of this vital ecosystem. A key aspect of sustainable management of Karura forest has been Community Forest Associations (CFAs) whose formation in Kenya began 1997 following forest tenure reforms aimed partly at promoting Participatory Forest Management arrangements and social justice. With respect to CFAs, this study set out to achieve three objectives:(1) to document forest management activities undertaken by CFAs in Karura forest;(2) to profile challenges against and opportunities available to CFAs that participate in the management of the forest,(3)to assess community perceptions on the contribution of Participatory Forest Management to improvement of livelihoods of CFA members. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative design approach. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used as the main instruments for data collection. Karura forest has eight CBO groups which form CFA members and a total number of members in these CBOs were 141. Hence to obtain tangible information all of the members were interviewed because they were all available for the interview and the number was manageable .The questionnaire data was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data was summarized and presented by use of frequency tables, pie charts and graphs. The findings from this study indicated that CBOs and KFS actively work together in various activities that are geared towards conservation, protection and management of Karura Forest. These include bush clearing/slashing (32.7%), tree planting (32.3%), weeding (26.7%), watering (5%), and tree nursery management (1.2%) among others. The major challenge faced by the CBOs included injuries due to lack of protection gears .On the other hand, the opportunities foreseen in future included creation of employment through involvement of more casual work days and growth of CBOs through capacity building especially on trainings that would enable them to grow. The study found that CBO involvement in forest management activities have improved their livelihood through provision of casual work, bee keeping and fuel wood collection. The resources used in funding these activities are sourced by both KFS and Friends of Karura Forest. This has led to significant improvement in the overall livelihood of the adjacent communities who are members of the eight CBOs. In conclusion the CBOs have played a big role in the management of Karura Forest in collaboration with KFS and Friends of Karura. The study recommends that Friends of Karura Forest continue mobilizing for more resources to ensure that CFA activities in the forest continue.