SUSTAINABLE APPROACHES FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DRYLAND FOREST AND THEIR BIODIVERSITY, A CASE OF KIJEGE FOREST, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Community involvement is central in management and conservation of forests. Adjacent communities depend on these forests for livelihood and cultural values. Dryland forests are among the vital ecosystems in the environment and they face degradation due to undervaluation by surrounding communities even though they supply a range of important resources. This study aimed at determining sustainable approaches for community involvement in management and conservation of Kijege forest and its biodiversity. Specifically, the study determined the importance and values of Kijege forest to community, the role of community involvement in management, and sustainable approaches for community involvement in conservation and management of Kijege forests and its biodiversity. Interviews were conducted with the KFS officials, village elders, local community and other relevant leaders. The results revealed that, although 90% of the respondents depended on the forest for their livelihoods, especially for supply of wood fuel, and pasture during dry seasons, only 6.7% have ever, or are being involved in management of the forest. From the findings, it is clear that the level of involvement of community members is very low, hence the study outlines three key recommendations to improve community involvement including: formation of Community Forest Association, capacity building of the community members, and formulation of a Forest management plan to foresee the sustainable involvement of the formed CFAs for better conservation and management of Kijege Forest and its biodiversity.