The Purpose of this study was to examine the development condition of the community living close to the Kakamega forest and to recommend strategies for developing the community, so that the community can contribute more effectively to the co-management of the natural resources. The author worked with forest committees in order to study the development issues, needs and priorities of the community; the resources in the community; the community’s judgment of the previous and current development projects; and the experience of the community in relation to the development projects. The author used situational analysis, direct and participant observation, as well as two focused group discussions to obtain the data. The participants were members of the forest committees who represent the communities living within the 10km radius from forest boundary. Study findings indicate that there are limited community development projects in the area. These projects cannot adequately meet the needs of the community and cannot sustainably lead to environment conservation. The community largely participated in the development as either casual laborers or self employed community group members. The willingness to participate was influenced by the desire to improve the living conditions, while barriers to participation included perceived corruption, myths about gender, age and development, as well as exclusion. This community has a wealth of the resources including, water, sugarcane waste, medicinal plants, and potential climate for agriculture, small scale land, skilled and unskilled labor. Development opportunities in the area include: The closeness of the area to the Kakamega town and its wide market; the unexplored tourism and wildlife sector near and in the Kakamega National Reserve; and the marketing of the Luhya culture in tourism. To keep a balance between conservation and community interest, policy and development strategies should emphasize investment in community development. This will reduce over reliance on the forest for most of the community’s socio-economic needs.
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations
Executive Summary
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
1. Introduction
1.1 Kakamega Forest
1.2 The purpose of the Study
1.3 The contribution of this study
1.4 Scope and Limitations
1.5 Theoretical Framework
1.6 Research Design
1.6.1 Situational Analysis
1.6.2 Participant Observations
1.6.3 Focused Group Discussions
1.6.4 Research Process
CHAPTER TWO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
2. The Meaning of Community Development
2.1 The context of Community Development
2.1.1 The People in Community Development
2.1.2 The Institutions in Community Development
2.1.3 The Development Issues in Community Development
2.1.4 Resources in community Development
2.2 Community Development and Natural Resources
2.3 Conclusion
CHAPTER THREE
THE CO-MANAGEMENT OF KAKAMEGA FOREST: A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
3. Introduction to the Kakamega Forest
3.1 Community Needs and Priorities
3.2 Development Projects towards Co-Management of the Natural resources
3.2.1 The Shamba system
3.2.2 Kakamega Environmental Education Program
3.2.3 Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation
3.3.4 International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology
3.3 The Community’s Judgment of the Previous or Current Projects
3.4 Community’s Participation in Environment Projects
3.5 Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR
INCENTIVES FOR EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY
4. Introduction
4.1 Voluntary Community Participation
4.2 Gender and Environment Management
4.3 Age and Environment Management
4.4 Education, Local Governance and Development
4.5 Development Issues, Needs, and Priorities of the Community
4.5.1 Main development problems in the area
4.5.2 The role of political leaders in community development projects
4.6 The Community’s Experiences with Community Development Projects
4.6.1 Community development projects in the area
4.6.2 Activities conducted by the development organizations
4.6.3 Community complains about the development projects
4.6.4 Benefits the project had brought to the Community
4.7 Community Participation in the Development Projects
4.7. 1 Community participation in the projects
4.7.2 Community participation
4.7.3 The content of community participation
4.7.4 Community willingness to participate in community projects
4.7.5 Prospective barriers to participation
4.8 Resources and Development Opportunities in the Area
4.9 Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5. Introduction
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Further Research
Bibliography
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