Assessment of Diversity and Role of Non-timber Forest Products in the Livelihoods of Rural Communities in Kibauni Hills Forest, Machakos County

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the role of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) towards improved livelihoods in local communities around Kibauni hills forest, Machakos County. Data was collected from three villages adjacent to forest using structured interviews, focused group discussion and participant observation. Quantitative data was collected through random sampling where a total of 99 households were sampled. Secondary data was collected from the Sub-County Forest Offices and existing literature materials and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The study result showed that local communities of the study area depend on a portfolio of income sources for living. Crop production, animal husbandry, forest and non-farm activities were the main livelihood strategies. 29% of the respondents were getting NTFP’s from the forest of which 83% utilized NTFPs for medicinal purposes. Most of the forest adjacent communities were small scale farmers and local end-uses of NTFPs included fuel wood, spiritual uses, food, construction materials, medicine, water sources, grass for pasture, and traditional rites among others. The study concluded by recommending that policies, strategies and interventions that aim at reducing peoples dependence on natural resource (forest and forest resources) should be put in place to give due attention to community based natural resource management; capacity building of the newly formed Kibauni Hill Community Forest Association to enable them take up the challenges of management of the forest resources and a comprehensive study was needed to examine and quantify the amount of NTFPs collected over time against the existing stock.