Trends, drivers of change and possible solutions to address deforestation and loss of forest habitat in the Kenya-Somalia cross-border area

Abstract

Key informant surveys among stakeholders from Lamu County revealed that increase in human population is the primary factor driving the loss of tree cover in southern and central Lamu and adjacent Tana River Counties. The key informants and focused group discussion proposed the need for Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service and non-governmental organizations to collaborate in conservation making sure that the local community is adequately engaged in the process; promote the formation of community forestry associations and encourage their participation in forest management and conservation; allocate land to new entrants in the area, away from the forest; sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between farmers and herdsmen to prevent encroachment into the forest; designate an area for the grazing community; support KFS and KWS to partner with private companies, to regenerate, manage and sustainably utilize forest resources; and set up a partnership between the county government and KFS to implement charcoal rules to regulate the industry in order to address and reverse the loss of biodiversity. Effective policies that halt encroachment, development of infrastructure and bushfires are required to support the conservation of the remnant forest fragments outside the protected area.