Persistence and Loss of Cultural Values of Tiriki Sacred Groves in Hamisi District, Kenya: Implications For Management (RH: Cultural Values of Tiriki Sacred Groves)

Abstract

KEYWORDS Biodiversity. Cultural Value. Ecotourism. Herbal Medicine. Sacred GrovesABSTRACT Negligence and desecration observed among Tiriki sacred groves during causal visits by the authors inJanuary 2007 was associated with their loss of cultural values and protection among local people. Household interviewswere held with 65 randomly selected key informants (51 males, 14 females) from all (6) locations of Hamisi district,Kenya, between March and August 2007. The study objective was to determine the persistence and loss of traditionalcultural values of the groves among local people plus respective causes for loss of the individual cultural values. Of the10 traditional values named, the most dominant was as sources of herbal medicine (100%) and as sites for boys’circumcision (100%). The least dominant were as sources of food (13.85%) and materials for house construction(21.54%). Persistence was highest with their value as sources of herbal medicine (100%) and lowest as burial sites forcommunity heroes (0.00%) and as sites for special prayers (4.17%). Break-down in the socio-cultural fabric of theTiriki community due to the influence of modern religion, education and government regulations were responsible forloss of cultural values and indigenous knowledge associated with sacred groves among local people. Sustainablepreservation of the sacred groves requires strategic government intervention with an appropriate institutionalframework that empowers local people to effectively manage and benefit from them. Emphasis is on enterprisesthat combine biodiversity conservation with poverty eradication as outlined by the Millennium Development Goals.Establishment of local, regional and global partnerships towards this end is encouraged.