Analyzing the Level of Implementation of Kereita Participatory Forest Management Plan, Aberdare Forest Ecosystem, Kiambu County Kenya

Abstract

The study's main objective was to analyze the implementation of the Kereita Forest Participatory Forest Management (PFM) Plan for 2010-2015. Specifically, the study aimed at documenting the implementation of planned activities in the participatory forest management plan. The study also aimed to identify collaborative activities between CFA, Kenya forest service, and other stakeholders in the study area and explore challenges and opportunities that were experienced during the implementation process. Drawing on a cross-sectional study design, the study collected data from a sample of 240 respondents who were all CFA members using semi-structured, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics mainly percentages and inferential statistics, specifically multiple regression analyses. The study results showed that 75.8% of the adjacent forest groups of Kereita were involved with PFM as registered CFA members, recruited from different CBOs in the villages. The study documented seven programs with activities which were to be implemented by various actors in collaboration with KFS and CFA. The study results show that the level of achievement differed for all activities. Some of the activities undertaken include drawing Community Action plans (CAPs), 82.5% had participated in the management and conservation of the Kereita covering 100 ha, KFS and KENVO established 50 Ha of plantation, zonation of 800ha for grazing. Others included water packaging plant completed in 2014, nature trails established covering 20km. On collaboration a committee established that assists in the implementation of plan, monitoring, and evaluation. 22% of the Kereita forest adjacent communities in the study area had been trained on Nature-Based Enterprises including mushroom and stinging nettle farming. The voluntary nature of the PFM and time limit constrained turn out for conservation and protection activities. The study also established that the major challenges in PFM implementation were the absence of specialized knowledge and information among the CFA members given that over 90% of the members did not have any formal skills. Other major challenges included poor governance, inadequate involvement of CFAs in major decision making, inadequate resources to carry out set tasks and voluntary work not being readily available to boost the members' income. The study concluded that there is room for more stakeholders to collaborate with the CFA in order to optimize the potential benefits of PFM. These can be in form of donors, investors and capacity building entities. The study findings on the challenges and opportunities have important implications for forest policy and practice in Kenya The study recommended for more resources to be allocated for the implementation of PFMPs in order for the planned activities to be achieved as well as harmonization of laws and regulations governing activities around the forest to reduce conflicts while implementing the plan activities.