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
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
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
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
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
5. Introduction
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Further Research
Study Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this study is to analyze the development conditions of the community living in the vicinity of Kakamega Forest and to propose strategies that empower these local communities to effectively contribute to the sustainable co-management of the natural resources. The study investigates the socioeconomic needs of the community and the efficacy of existing development initiatives in relation to forest conservation efforts.
- Community development status and socioeconomic needs of the population near Kakamega Forest.
- Evaluation of previous and current development projects and their impact on community participation.
- Analysis of institutional roles and political leadership in local environmental management.
- Exploration of natural and economic development opportunities to reduce over-reliance on the forest.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Community Needs and Priorities
Researchers on this forest have largely looked at what the community gets from the forest. The research is based on either observation or inquiry. The data obtained is then given a legal, social, cultural, and economic perspective. In this case, the extracted products are seen as meeting the needs or priorities of the community, given the value and role these products play in the lives of the local communities. According to Muller and Mburu (2009:968-977) the remaining natural forest is under immense threat of degradation. This is because of a rapidly growing population in its vicinity and a poverty rate which is far above the national average. The growing demand for forest resources and ecosystem services will continue to exert great pressure on the remaining forest fragments. This indicates that the community solely relies on these resources for survival and therefore they continue to live by what they extract from the forest.
Muller and Mburu also observe that research indicates that forest clearings occur across all forest fragments. Hotspots of future forest clearing tend to occur near roads and market centers. Most future hotspots are found in areas with a lower protection status, where some forest use is allowed. The old-growth forest resources are in the strictly protected National Reserve. The management issues on the forest therefore require the help of the policy makers and land managers to strike a balance between satisfying the needs of local livelihoods and preserving the unique ecological values of Kakamega Forest for future generations, Muller and Mburu (2009:968-977). This research will explore the development condition of the community in order to recommend what to be done, so that the community is able to contribute effectively in the stakeholder dialogue and partnership for sustainable co-management of the forest.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the significance of Kakamega Forest and sets the research context regarding the relationship between community livelihoods and natural resource management.
2. The Meaning of Community Development: Examines theoretical perspectives on community development and its intersection with environmental health and institutional frameworks.
3. The CO-MANAGEMENT OF KAKAMEGA FOREST: A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Details the historical management of the forest and evaluates specific intervention projects aimed at balancing local needs with conservation.
4. INCENTIVES FOR EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY: Analyzes the gathered data on participant experiences, barriers to involvement, and potential economic opportunities for the local population.
5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Synthesizes research findings and offers policy recommendations to enhance community participation in forest co-management.
Keywords
Kakamega Forest, Community Development, Co-management, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, Environmental Conservation, Poverty Alleviation, Community Participation, Institutional Capacity, Rural Economy, Biodiversity, Socioeconomic Needs, Forest Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the development conditions of communities living near Kakamega Forest and explores how improving these conditions can facilitate more effective community contribution to the co-management of the forest.
What are the primary thematic areas of the study?
The themes include community development needs, the evaluation of existing conservation and development projects, the role of local political leadership, and the identification of regional development opportunities.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to recommend strategies for community development that balance the livelihood needs of local populations with the imperative to conserve natural resources.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a social constructivism paradigm, employing qualitative methods such as situational analysis, participant observation, and focused group discussions with forest committee members.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the theoretical context of community development, a situational analysis of the forest management regimes, and an analysis of incentives and barriers affecting local community participation in development projects.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include community development, co-management, Kakamega Forest, sustainable development, socioeconomic empowerment, and natural resource management.
How did the author define the "Shamba system"?
It is defined as a system where non-resident cultivation was permitted within the forest for local communities to earn a livelihood while tending to tree seedlings, though it was eventually banned in most parts of the forest due to abuses.
What is the significance of the "Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation" project?
It was a government-led initiative aimed at creating buffer zones between human settlements and the forest to prevent encroachment and over-extraction, while also attempting to provide economic alternatives to the local community.
How does the author characterize the role of political leaders in the area?
The author notes that while political leaders are often criticized for lack of substantial involvement, they are recognized for creating awareness and representing the community in dialogues with the government regarding development problems.
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- Oscar Mmbali (Autor), 2013, Empowering the Community for Effective Environment Management, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207591
