| dc.description.abstract | The 'raison d'etre' of this study is the search for
a sound conceptual base upon which to pivot and direct
rational managementdecisions for the Aberdare Forest
and National Park. The general research activity revolved
around critical evaluation and analysis of the various
physical, bio-economic and humanfactors that should
constitute the fundamental information sources for the
utilisation and managementof the resource unit. There
were three (3) specific objectives.
Firstly, to attempt a conceptual definition of the
study area as an ecqsystem. The size of the area, the
spatial and te~poral arrangement and dynamics of its major
resource sub-syatems, and the superimposition of artificial
administrative and management boundaries by man, were
regarded as-the significant variables that determine the
study area's viability as a functional ecosystem.
Secondly, to critically, evaluate the role of the human
factor in determining the bio-economic status of the Aberdare
system and its resource units. This role was seen as being
manifested at two levels:
la Through different and/or conflicting attitudes and
preferences towards the area and its resources by the
rural people wholive within the Aberdare Forest as
resident workmen,and around it as farmers.
2. Throughthe formulation and implementation of
conflicting objectives, priorities, policies and
managementtechniques by Governmentand other
. institutions, responsible for the utilisation and
managementof the Aberdare resource unit.
The final objective was to attempt, on the basis of
available information, to formulate an integrated land
utilisation and managementmodel for the study area, that
incorporates the varied operative ecological and socia..-
economicfactors.
A numberof findings have emerged from this study.
The characteristics and dynamics.of the Aberdare area
sub-systems seem to justify the description and analysis
of the area in ecosystem terms. However, due to superimposition
of artificial boundaries, the area cannot fully and
optimally function as a self-contained and self-sustaining
ecosystem',-. For its long-term survival, therefore, it is
required that manbe further involved by undertaking its
rational utilisation and managementguided by ecosystem
principles.
Conflicts exist amongst the components of the
human sub-systems The internal component (forest residents
and farmers), manifest different and sometimes conflicting
attitudes towards the area and its resources; while the
external component(government officials) adopt conflicting
policies and utilisation techniques for the area's upkeep
and maintenance.
Two major guiding concepts were adopted throughout
the study. The ecosystem concept provided a powerful
means for summarizing the vast range of bio-economic
information available, and of translating it into various
levels of perception, analysis and action. Secondly, the
concept of environmental perception was used to evaluate
the role of the different human groups, in terms of their
attitudes and preferences.
The findings of this study are relevant in two main
ways. They illuminate interdisciplinary nature of
environmental management problems, particularly the intricate
relationship and interdependence of ecosystem and societal
components in resource use and management. They also
emphasize the'utility of the ecosystem concept as a tool
f'or research and planning of natural systems.
The general conclusion arising from these observations
therefore is, that a successful land use plan for the
Aberdare area cannot afford to incorporate only socioeconomic
criteria and ignore ecological factors. The
former must be based on the limitationsof the physical
envirOnment, while both ecological. and economic criteria
should be viewed in the light:of the constraints imposed
by the human population. Further, the resource units of the
Aberdare area will be inefficiently utilised if the policies
arid actiyities of the institutions involved are n.ot
organized, harmonised and co-ordinated in accordance with
the dynamics of the ecological, economic and social
environment.
This study therefore recommendsthat an integrated
systems approach be adopted for the utilisation and
managementof the Aberdare forest-catchment-national park
unit. Land use policies based on such a concept loo'Oulbde
holistic and should be based on suitable scientific
knowledge which will accommodatethe varied interest and
priorities of the official institutions, as well as those of
the rural people residing and working in the area. Specifically,
an Aberdare ManagementAuthority should be ,
created. This would be an independent body composed of
personnel derived from all the relevant institutions.
Its prime purpose would be to co-ordinate and supervise
the activities of these institutions, which are expected
to provide inputs into it, 'in the form of "impact statements"
about their current and projected activities within the
study area.
To facilitate such land use re-orientatian, research
and surveys of the Aberdare system should be accelerated,
particularly with regard to baseline bio-economic and
social surveys, resource inventories, ecosystem dynamics,
current land use practices and humanvalue systems | en |
