| dc.description.abstract | Eburu Forest is a montane forest that forms part of Mau Forest Complex. The aim of
the study was to assess factors that contribute to forest resource use conflicts and their
manifestation, as well as opportunities for conflict management. Conflicts among
stakeholders over access, control or ownership of forest resources are a major
impediment to achieving sustainable forest management globally.
The study area was stratified into three zones namely Eburu, Kiambogo and Ndabibi.
This was based on the size of farm holding, land tenure, population density, ethnic
composition, and administrative units. Both secondary and primary data was
collected, using a combination of methods that included questionnaire, Focus Group
Discussions (FGD), Key informant interviews and field observations. Statistical
approach included a combination of descriptive and inferential analysis.
Majority of respondents (66.5%) revealed existence of forest resource use conflicts in
Eburu Forest. Seven types of forest resource use conflicts were identified and
analyzed. The study established that forest resource use conflicts manifest and affect
forest management in different ways. Three main ways identified were; contribution
to forest destruction, poor relations among stakeholders and less community
participation in conservation activities specifically fire fighting. Forest destruction and
poor relations among stakeholders arising from forest resource use conflicts featured
more in Kiambogo followed by Ndabibi and Eburu in that order. Less participation in
firefighting arising from forest resource use conflicts featured more in Eburu (37%),
followed by Ndabibi (36%) and Kiambogo (31%).
Factors that contribute to forest resource use conflicts, as well as challenges
constraining forest management include poor accessibility (26%), corruption (20%),
lack of equipment (14%), poor relationship with the community (10%) and
understaffing (11%). Inadequate funds and lack of training were also found to be of
concern and require urgent attention. The study identified factors that lead to
escalation of conflicts, which include; failure to address community grievances in a
timely manner, incomplete or contradictory information, and inadequate platforms and mechanisms for ventilating and redress of grievances. Opportunities to address
forest resource use conflicts in Eburu include mechanisms to regulate access (forest
legislation and rules), presence of partner organizations with on-going programs, and
Eburu Forest Electric fence.
The study recommends strengthening of community participation in forest
management, improving relationships and communication among partner
organizations and setting up Forest Level Management Committee to provide a
platform for redress of community grievances and ensure harmonious use of forest
resources in keeping with Eburu Forest management plan. Further, the on-going
review of the forest policy and Act should safeguard customary access rights of the
community to forest resources and expressly provide for equity in distribution of
benefits among parties involved in forest management. Of immediate priority
however is strengthening the organizational capacity of key stakeholders under PFM
arrangement to effectively undertake their mandates and promote community
development targeting forest adjacent areas to minimize dependence on forest
resources for livelihood. | en_US |
