Gendered Access to Management of Forest Resources in Ngong Hills Forest, Kajiado North Sub-county

Abstract

This study explored gendered access to and participation in management of forest related resources in Ngong Hills Forest, Kajiado North Sub County. It sought to identify resources in Ngong Hills Forest; assess the level of gendered access and participation in management of resources and to establish the challenges of gendered access to and participation in management of forest resources. The design employed was a descriptive survey, focusing on individuals residing in the Ngong Hills Forest areas. The study sampled100 respondents randomly while the key informants and FGD participants were purposively sampled. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire, Key Informant Interview and FGD guides. Data analysis was done via the SPSS Version 26 after cleaning and checking for consistency. The qualitative data was transcribed, reviewed for accuracy and analyzed thematically. The results indicate that a significant number of people possess knowledge regarding certain resources present within the forest and were members of the Ngong Metro Hills Community Forest Association. Disparities in the gendered approach to management were noted in that although both men and women were represented, women were more actively engaged in forest management compared to men. However, it was noted that both men and women faced challenges in managing the resources of the forest. The study noted that there was a general lack of interest among men in forest resources management. Men instead, prioritized engaging in fast income-generating activities. The study concludes that there is a need for equal participation and involvement of both men and women in decision-making processes to ensure sustainable management of Ngong Hills Forest. The study recommends that the government should take proactive measures to promote gender equality in forest management. This can be achieved through increased advocacy efforts and raising awareness about the importance of inclusive participation in the forest’s rehabilitation.