| dc.description.abstract | Participatory Forest Management (PFM) is a recent development in Kenya,
although it has been practised in other countries but with varying policies and
programmes. The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors and
conditions necessary for a successful PFM. Ntorosi Community Environmental
Group was selected for study because of its previous involvement in PFMunder
the UNDP-GEF East African Biodiversity Cross- Border Project. A detailed
questionnaire containing structured and un structured questions were
administered to a total of 100 respondents, selected through simple random
sampling. The study applied descriptive statistics such as percentages (%) and
inferential statistical techniques such as Cross tabulation statistics of chi-square
contingency coefficient to analyze the data.
The results showed that the level of education (x2=0.665, a= 0.05)and the duration
(years) local users have lived next to the forest are the key demographic factors
that would influence PFM success. Age (x2=0.424, a= 0.05) and gender (x2=0.378,
a=0.05) are also important factors in designing, planning and implementing PFM initiative. Other factors with respect to c'o.m~\.lI~.it>in: volvement in PFM include
income and employment benefits, feeling of commu~y belonging and equitable
sharing of resources. Howeve~ results indicated that PFM failure to provide
these. benefits does not necessarily affect community participation. The study
noted adequate conservation skills and knowledge among forest adjacent
communities, including awareness on forest products, threats and mitigation.
These are some key factors that would also influence PFM success. These skills
and knowledge however, vary among community members.
Similarly, the level of power and authority conferred to PFM group showed
significant influence on sustainable forest management. These include powers
and authority to define, formulate and enforce community forest rules and
regulations. These community rules and regulations should however, be binding
even to all government forest officers in order to motivate other local community
members to equally respect the rules.
Hence, in order to enhance success and sustainability of PFM initiative within
Namanga hills forest, the study recommends that the KFSand other stakeholders
should conduct community sensitization and awareness on the provisions of
Forest Act 2005 and opportunities available to them under PFM. Efforts should
also be made to prepare a simplified version of Forest Act 2005 and translate the
information into vernacular language understood by the community. KFS and
other stakeholders should also help the community to comply with provisions of
Forest Act 2005 by guiding them through registration process and in
development of Forest Management Plan.
The study also recommends piloting. 0t Community Forest Guard Initiative
within Namanga hills forests and a further training of PFM Group members on
forest conservation and group management skills. More research needs to be
carried out on the impact 0 anging community livelihoods on PFM and the
feasibility of innovative programmes such as Eco-tourism, Payment for
Environmental Services, commercial herbal medicine and bead work within
Namanga hills forest. | en |
