AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY FOREST ASSOCIATIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KARURA FOREST KENYA

JOYCE SYOKAU NTHUKU

C50/89214/2016

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI.

2018

DECLARATION

This research project is my original work and has not been submitted to any other university for academic award.

………………………… Date......

Nthuku, Joyce Syokau

C50/89214/2016

This research project report has been submitted for examination with our approval as the university supervisors.

......

Dr. Thuita Thenya Dr. Theresa Mbatia

Department of Geography and Department of Geography

Environmental Studies Environmental studies

University of Nairobi. University of Nairobi

Date...... Date…………………

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DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to the Almighty God for this opportunity, his guidance, strength and grace throughout the study period. My husband Mr. Benjamin, daughters Sarah and Grace for their endurance, support and love during the course of study.

May God richly bless them

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my very great appreciation to Dr. Thuita Thenya and Dr. Theresa Mbatia for their valuable guidance, commitment and advice during the preparation and production of this research paper. They went out of their way to work during odd hours to ensure the study was accorded the best. May the Almighty God bless them.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ...... ii DEDICATION ...... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...... iv LIST OF FIGURES ...... ix ABSTRACT ...... x ACRONYMS ...... xi

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background of the study problem...... 1 1.2. Statement of the research problem ...... 2 1.3 Research questions ...... 4 1.4 Objectives ...... 4 1.4.1 Overall Objective ...... 4 1.4.2 Specific Objectives ...... 4 1.5 Justification of the study ...... 4 1.6 Scope of study ...... 5

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 6 2 .0 Introduction ...... 6 2.1 Case studies on the role of CFA activities in forest conservation and management ...... 6 2.1.1 Community Based Forest Management ...... 6 2.1.2 Evolution of Community involvement ...... 8 2.2 Relationship of Community Forest Association practices on forest management...... 10 2.2.1 Community Participation and Sustainable Forest Management ...... 12 2.2.2 Character of CFAs and its influence on forest management...... 13 2.3 profile of challenges against and opportunities to CFAs who participate in the management of Karura forest...... 14 2.4 Theoretical Framework ...... 18 2.4.1 Common resource pool ...... 18 2.4.2. Sustainable Forest Management ...... 18 2.4.3 Conceptual framework ...... 20

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CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ...... 23 3.0 Introduction ...... 23 3.1 Study area ...... 23 3.1.1 Geographic location ...... 23 3.1.1 Biophysical Description ...... 25 3.1.1.1 Topography ...... 25 3.1.1.2 Climate ...... 25 3.1.1.3 Geology ...... 26 3.1.1.4 Soils...... 26 3.2 Research design ...... 27 3.3 Sample size and sampling procedure ...... 28 3.3.1 Sample size ...... 28 3.3.2 Sampling Procedure ...... 28 3.4 Data Collection methods ...... 29 3.4.1 Questionnaires...... 29 3.4.2 Observations checklist ...... 29 3.4.3 Photography ...... 30 3.4.4 Key Informant Interview Schedules ...... 30 3.4.5 Secondary Data Collection ...... 30 3.5 Data Analysis ...... 30

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ...... 31 4.1 Introduction ...... 31 4.1.2 Gender distribution of respondents ...... 31 4.1.3 Community Based Organization respondents ...... 32 4.1.4 Duration of stay as CBO members ...... 33 4.1.5 Level of Education of CBO members ...... 34 4.2 Forest management activities ...... 35 4.2.1 Activities in Forest Management ...... 35 4.2.2 CBO activities undertaken separately without KFS ...... 37 4.2.3 KFS activities undertaken without involvement of CBO members...... 38

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4.2.4 Activities dictated by season ...... 38 4.2.5 Activities which have improved in the forest...... 39 4.3 Challenges faced by Community Based Organization in management of the forest ... 41 4.3.1 Financial support ...... 42 4.3.2 Participation in election of CBO leaders ...... 43 4.3.3 Relationship between CBO members and KFS ...... 44 4.4 Opportunities in forest conservation and management by Community Based Organizations ...... 45 4.4.1 Opportunities involving CBO in forest conservation and management...... 45 4.4.2 activities which have contributed to livelihood improvement of the CBO members.46 4.4.Community perceptions on the contributions of Participatory Forest Management to improvement of livelihoods of CBO members...... 48 4.4 Key Informants results and discussions ...... 51

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 53 5.1 Summary of Findings ...... 53 5.2 Conclusions ...... 54 5.3 Recommendations ...... 55

REFERENCES ...... 56 APPENDICES ...... 61 Appendix I: Questionnaire For The Cfa Officials ...... 62 Appendix II: Key Informant Interview Schedule For Kfs Officers ...... 68 Appendix III: Photos From Karura Forest ...... 70 Appendix IV: Declaration Of Originality...... 72 Appendix V : Research Permit...... 73 Appendix VI : Plagiarism Test Outcome ...... 74

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LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Community Based organization respondents ...... 32 Table 2: Activities dictated by Season ...... 39 Table 3: Challenges faced by Community Based Organization (CBOs)in management of the forest ...... 41 Table 4: Reason elections are free and fair ...... 44 Table 5: Relationship between CBO members and KFS ...... 45 Table 6: Opportunities involving CBO members in forest conservation and management ...... 46 Table 7: Strategies for improvement of CBO involvement in forest conservation and management ...... 48 Table 8: Opportunities ...... 49

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Modern concept of Sustainable Forest Management (source: Author) ...... 19 Figure 2: Conceptual framework on community Forest associations’ Contribution and the relationship on management of Karura (Source: Author) ...... 21 Figure 3: A Map of the Study Area ...... 24 Figure 4: Duration of Stay as CBO members ...... 34 Figure 5: Respondents’ education level ...... 35 Figure 6: Forest Management Activities...... 36 Figure 7: CBO Activities undertaken separately without KFS ...... 37 Figure 8: KFS activities undertaken without involvement of CBO members ...... 38 Figure 9: Activities which have improved in the forest ...... 40 Figure 10: Financial Support ...... 43 Figure 11: Participation in election of CBO leaders ...... 44 Figure 12: Activities towards livelihood Improvement ...... 47 Figure 13: Earning per Month...... 47 Figure 14: Opportunity for employment ...... 50

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ABSTRACT

Karura forest is located within Kenya’s capital Nairobi and for a long time, it has been under pressure from anthropogenic forces such as land grabbing, infrastructural development, and urbanization, which are a threat to continued existence of this vital ecosystem. A key aspect of sustainable management of Karura forest has been Community Forest Associations (CFAs) whose formation in Kenya began 1997 following forest tenure reforms aimed partly at promoting Participatory Forest Management arrangements and social justice. With respect to CFAs, this study set out to achieve three objectives:(1) to document forest management activities undertaken by CFAs in Karura forest;(2) to profile challenges against and opportunities available to CFAs that participate in the management of the forest,(3)to assess community perceptions on the contribution of Participatory Forest Management to improvement of livelihoods of CFA members. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative design approach. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used as the main instruments for data collection. Karura forest has eight CBO groups which form CFA members and a total number of members in these CBOs were 141. Hence to obtain tangible information all of the members were interviewed because they were all available for the interview and the number was manageable .The questionnaire data was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data was summarized and presented by use of frequency tables, pie charts and graphs. The findings from this study indicated that CBOs and KFS actively work together in various activities that are geared towards conservation, protection and management of Karura Forest. These include bush clearing/slashing (32.7%), tree planting (32.3%), weeding (26.7%), watering (5%), and tree nursery management (1.2%) among others. The major challenge faced by the CBOs included injuries due to lack of protection gears .On the other hand, the opportunities foreseen in future included creation of employment through involvement of more casual work days and growth of CBOs through capacity building especially on trainings that would enable them to grow. The study found that CBO involvement in forest management activities have improved their livelihood through provision of casual work, bee keeping and fuel wood collection. The resources used in funding these activities are sourced by both KFS and Friends of Karura Forest. This has led to significant improvement in the overall livelihood of the adjacent communities who are members of the eight CBOs. In conclusion the CBOs have played a big role in the management of Karura Forest in collaboration with KFS and Friends of Karura. The study recommends that Friends of Karura Forest continue mobilizing for more resources to ensure that CFA activities in the forest continue.

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ACRONYMS

ASFADA Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Adjacent Dwellers Association

CBF/O Community Based Forest/ Organization

CBFM Community Based Forest Management

CF Community Forestry

CFA Community Forest Association

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FKF Friends of Karura

KACOFA Kakamega Community Forest Association

KFS Kenya Forest Service

MEFECAP Meru Forest Environmental Conservation and Protection

MENR Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

NWFPs Non Wood Forest Products

PFM Participatory Forest Management

SFM Sustainable Forest Management

SPSS Statistical Package for Social Science

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study problem

Forest management has undergone various changes in Kenya. Initial forest ecosystems were entirely indigenous forests under customary management up to 1910, when introduction of plantation species took place for the purpose of increasing wood for industrial enterprise development. Communities were mainly involved in forest management through establishment of plantations through the shamba (farm) system. Conversion of further indigenous forest to plantation stopped in the mid-1970s, but the area converted to plantation continued to be managed for timber production.

According to Ongugo et al. (2008), formation of Community Based Organizations associated with forest management started in Kenya in 1997 under the Participatory Forestry Management

(PFM) system. The term Community Forest Association (CFA) was formally used with enactment of Forest Act 2005. The CFAs are envisaged to form a contractual co-management arrangement with the Kenya Forest Service through setting up of joint management plans for the forests and signing of forest management agreement with Kenya forest service. This was after realization that significant contribution to sustainable management of forests could be attained through increased involvement of stakeholders. Local communities and other stakeholders under this approach contribute to forest resource management as per the provision of the Forest Act.

Participatory Forest Management (PFM) is a broader initiative to transfer management power and decision making to local communities from the central government in Kenya (Mbuvi et al.,

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2009). However, this intention has remained elusive and in most scenarios only minimal changes have taken place.

Dick and Knox (1999), agrees that over the last few years there have been changes in key policy trend of decentralization of natural resource control to community based user groups from central government agencies. This type of decentralization has occurred in several countries in

Asia, Africa, and the America, covering natural resource sectors including forests, water, wildlife fisheries and rangelands. Schrecknberg et al. (2006) showed that over the last 25 years communities have been included in management of forest resources managed and owned by the state. In Several African countries and Asian countries, Participatory Forest Management (PFM) systems are encouraging the rural communities’ involvement in the management and utilization of natural forests and woodlands. For the last five years, Karura forest reserve has been very successfully managed under PFM. Previously, the Forest Department (FD), the precursor of KFS was responsible for all management actions and was not obliged to consult with other stakeholders. This was because there was no legal provision to allow for the active involvement and participation of stakeholders in forest management. It is during this period (in the 90s) that attempts were made to excise vast areas of forests due to lack of stakeholder participation.

(Karura Forest, strategic Management Plan, 2016-2020).

1.2. Statement of the research problem

The human activities are liable for degradation of the forests in the country. Growth in population, extreme poverty, poor land tenure system, property rights over forests and lack of proper forest policy implementation and social political instability are the major driving factors

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to forest degradation in Kenya .Generally, forest sector is characterized by weak governance, insufficient budgetary allocation, lack of capacity building, and weak law enforcement.

According to section 49(A) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016, Community

Forest Associations have been mandated to protect, conserve and manage the forest or part of the forest with an accepted forest management agreement entered into with the KFS on condition of an approved forest management plan. The PFM introduction in Kenya was anticipated to attain the dual purpose of sustainable forest resource management and the enhancement of socio- economic wellbeing of local people. It was a problem solving strategy to forest resources with open access hence promoting forest management sustainability (Matiku et al., 2013).

Karura forest being an urban forest is prone to land grabbing, overexploitation of forest resource, urbanization and infrastructural development for the vast ever growing population demands.

Involvement of forest adjacent communities in the management of this forest can greatly contribute to a reduction of forest threats and promote effective forest governance. Past research from Arabuko-Sokoke, Mau complex and Kakamega forests have focused on impact of CFAs on major catchment water towers and rural set up with limited studies on role of Community Forest

Associations and challenges faced in forestry conservation in areas with smaller water catchment and in the vast growing urban population areas. Thus, it is within this backdrop that the study sought to examine the role of Community Forest Associations in management of forest, current challenges related to CFAs and the opportunities and strengths posed by CFAs for improved forest management. The information generated from this study would be of value in improving engagement of CFA in forest management not only in Karura but in other forests in the country.

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1.3 Research questions

1) What are the management activities of Community Forest Associations in undertaken in

Karura forest?

2) What are challenges, opportunities and strengths posed by the Community Forest

Associations in management of the forest?

3) What are the perceptions of CFA members on the contributions of Participatory Forest

Management to improved livelihoods?

1.4 Objectives

1.4.1 Overall Objective

To assess the role of CFA activities in the management of Karura forest reserve

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1) To document forest management activities undertaken by Community Forest

Associations in the forest.

2) To profile challenges against and opportunities to CFAs that participates in the

management of Karura forest.

3) To assess community perceptions on the contributions of Participatory Forest

Management to improvement of livelihoods of CFA members.

1.5 Justification of the study

Forests enhance conservation of the environment, biodiversity, water, and soil resources while significantly contributing to the livelihoods of forest adjacent communities. Therefore, the livelihoods of the local people within the forest, their rights, interests, constraints, and

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relationships should be understood. This will constitute a basis of defining sustainable forest management policies and laws. The promotion of the participation and the involvement of local communities may improve their livelihood, reduce forest related conflicts and hence reduce poverty.

The study is important as interventions for forest conservation may affect local communities’ access to resources and control. Consequently, conservation interventions may either include or exclude the population in the making of decision and control of related forest resources. The study also comes at an appropriate time when the country is implementing the Constitution promulgated in August 2010. The Constitution brings significant change to the country’s environmental governance, particularly the forest sector through devolution. Both the Forest

Conservation and Management Act 2016 has been enacted and revision of Forest Policy 2007 draft being aligned currently with the Constitution. Research targeted Karura forest because

Karura community was among the first to embrace the concept, in fact they are implementing the second generation of management plan. The other urban forests include; Ngong hills, Ngong

Road forests and Nairobi Arboretum are in the initial stages of the management plan implementation.

1.6 Scope of study

This study was conducted in Karura forest station in Nairobi County. According to the Forest

Conservation and management Act 2016 every forest station should be managed by a participatory forest management plan drawn in consultation with a registered CFA. The target study population comprised members of the CBOs, Friends of Karura and KFS officers.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2 .0 Introduction

This chapter discusses the literature related to the intended study to assess the role of Community

Forest Associations’ practices on forest management. It particularly focuses on documenting forest management activities undertaken by Community Forest Associations in the forest, profile challenges against and opportunities to CFAs that participates in the management of Karura forest. Literature on assessment of community perceptions on the contributions of Participatory

Forest Management and improved livelihoods of CFA members is also explored. These are considered the pillars of the study which seek to show the success of Community Forest

Associations’ role as a core responsibility in forest management.

2.1 Case studies on the role of CFA activities in forest conservation and management

2.1.1 Community Based Forest Management

According to Rondinelli and Cheema (1983), different forms of decentralization exist which include privatization process where authority is transferred from government to non- governmental sectors; delegation and devolution that involves power transfer to acceptable local authority. Increased wide range participation is key to an effective process of decentralization that assist in locally based public decision making.According to Cronkleton et al. (2008), co- management arrangements have been embraced in forest management after realization that people in local area have important roles to play in conservation and management of resources and community development. Realities that forest beneficiaries have realized their rights and demand is difficult to omit. It has been indicated by Feyerabend (2000) that partial rights

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management transfer under reform of forest tenure, produces models of community forestry, a process that involves co-management arrangements. Co-management process is an adaptive process that consists of mediation, or negotiation, and provides a setting for learning and solving problems (Carlsson et al., 2005). Preferably, it combines the mitigation measures and strengths of the parties involved (Singleton, 1998). This arrangement is where two or more actors define, negotiate and guarantee among themselves ,share fairly the entitlements, management functions and responsibilities for a given area, territory or natural resources. Generally, this involves allocation of responsibility and power between local people and government over conservation and use of locally available natural resources (Berkes, 2005). Fisher (1995) stated that, it has been a key feature of the government programs to support community forestry.

In most cases of Community Based Forestry, the government devolves some of management rights to the community whereby communities hold tenure rights to defined area of forest land; according to FAO (2011) tenure is defined as a “Bundle of Rights”. The rights which are relevant to CFA are bundle of rights described by Schlager and Ostrom (1992). Operational level rights access is the right to go in a defined physical property for a given purpose while withdrawal right is the right to get “products” of a resource, e.g. to cultivate in the forest, to harvest timber and collection of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) or wood fuel. Collective choice right management is the right to control internal use patterns and transform the resource by making improvements, e.g. make decisions over forest management such as to carry out silvicultural treatments, the exclusion right is the right to determine who will have access to the forest and to exclude outsiders while alienation right is the right to lease or sell products from a resource. In the law, if rights are extinguished or revoked it guarantees due process and

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compensation as per the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016, the CFA mostly have operational level rights, and some exclusion rights, these rights are essential in ensuring that the community feels a sense of belonging towards forest conservation and management. These aspects are important especially in Karura where the community is heterogeneous in terms of capital endowments/capabilities.

2.1.2 Evolution of Community involvement

Although most forests are under state ownership, effective governance of the forest is independent of formal ownership. During neo-liberal ideology and climate change challenges emanation in 1980s, state change towards effective environmental resource management emerged (Gobeze et al., 2009). The policies of neo-liberal have upheld that forces in the market are not only inappropriate for environmental sustainability but also a main cause of environmental degradation The principle of common tragedy has shown that environmental resources cannot be left unattended under people who would want to do as they wish. Therefore, management of decentralization offers solution to forest governance as an alternative (Hardin's,

1968).

The World Bank report in 2000 on Beyond Economic Growth revealed that local government understands the needs and desires of constituents in a better way than the national government, whereas local leaders can easily be held accountable. The West African tropical forest study on

Woody Plants of Western African Forests reported that accountability of authority representative should lead to equity, efficiency and development in decentralization. According to the report, decentralization should improve efficiency, resource allocation, equity and accountability linking

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closely the benefit and cost of local services. The non-timber forest values in most Southern

Africa and Eastern countries generate more national income than the formal forest industries. For instance, the majority of Southern Africa and Eastern population depend on wood-based energy including; Tanzania (97%), Malawi (90%), Namibia (85%), Mozambique (80%) and 70%) in

Zambia (Mogaka et al., 2001). Traditional medicine is another non-timber value product highly demonstrable.

In the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016, most valuable forest resources pointed out include ecotourism, honey harvesting and timber production which are beneficial and thus need a long-term focus. Among the communities living around the forests, the reality is different on the ground as the communities face food insecurity, poverty and lack of opportunities for livelihood among others. Thus, communities focus on short-term benefits accrued from forest involvement. The concept of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) as set in the Forest

Conservation and Management Act 2016 seems to differ with community’s idea on forest management involvement. For instance, involvement of communities in forest management means provision of casual work to communities as a way of boosting their livelihood through management activities offered by KFS and also engagement of the community youth in administration jobs in the forest offices. Temporary employment provides additional income to the communities enhancing socio-economic improvement though to a small percentage of individual.

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2.2 Relationship of Community Forest Association practices on forest management.

The study carried by Ongugo et al. (2005) suggested that involvement of community in management of forest and environmental conservation has regularly been invigorated. This is founded on the principle that forests give intangible and not often direct or tangible benefits to communities participating in their management. Studies on Arabuko Sokoke Forest Adjacent

Dwellers Association (ASFADA) reported that forest tangible benefits to the CFAs led to their cohesiveness; and that done on Meru Forest Environmental Conservation and Protection

(MEFECAP) Community Forest Association showed that for sustainability of forest resource benefit sharing principle is key since it strengthens and encourages CFAs. (MENR, 2007).

Cronkleton et al. (2008) suggested that, this fractional rights transfer outlines community forestry institutions and the method in which they operate.

Through sharing duties and benefits of forest management, state agencies and communities cooperate within co-management structures. Co-management arrangements are beneficial to governments since they provide avenues for local contribution in governance of resource and increased benefit-sharing while preserving some level of central government control.

Nevertheless, co-management structures can give greater liability on community members without giving the equivalent reimbursements. Therefore, co-management may not meet expectations. In turn, the advancement of community forestry may necessitate more emphasis on institutions, agencies and adjusting forest regulatory frameworks to allow more community-level actors freedom in developing forest management system.

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Moreover, it is clear that the CFAs are formed with optimism that the Government in future would provide opportunities for them to acquire real benefits, for instance non-residential cultivation in the forests was to harvest forest products (Koech et al., 2009). In plantation forests, the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016 allows for CFAs to go into agreements to manage forests neighboring them. Nevertheless, owing to lack of community silvicultural ability to manage the forests, several CFAs are forced to take in collaborators, mostly from the private sectors.

Further Ongugo et al. (2004) suggested that these collaborators have superior equipment to manage tree nurseries and plantations. In occurrences where communities have recognized

CFAs, the farming of food and cash crops in the forest is important. Moreover, other forest products such as animal forage, fuel wood and construction material from the forest are essential.

CFAs leaders may have to educate members on silvicultural practices, forestry business, and provide knowledge on the elaborate management of food/cash crops alongside trees. Singleton

(1998), also suggested that reorganization has released livelihood and economic opportunities for management of forest in the community. Conversely, the relocation of rights and related power to communities in forest is regularly fractional. The view of property as made up 'bundles of rights' permits for the disaggregation of rights shifted to local people from government. In practice, it is common that rights held by natural resource stakeholders encompass only part of the rights bundle.

Local contribution is significant and actual where the local population participates not only as users who co-operate but as forest managers, in their own rights (Wily, 2002; Kajembe et al.,

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2003). In line with this, measures centered on use interests are less since they do not take into consideration socio-environmental and local custodial wellbeing.Kajembe et al. (2003) referred to such Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) as “forest management by consent”.

Wells and Brandon (1992) noted that a joint effect of participation and enforcement in resource management are important for preventing communities from destruction. This highly indicates the major theory of CBFM, which requires that home-grown level involvement in forest management only appears when real power for management is given to communities.

2.2.1 Community Participation and Sustainable Forest Management

The local communities’ active participation in management of forest and use, commonly known as Community Forestry (CF), has developed into a key approach to sustainable management of forests. CF is predominantly prevalent in rural areas in developing countries. The key function of local communities in sustainable forest management was emphasized by a FAO (1978) publication. It was supported by the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and 2003 World

Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg endorsed it. The forests managed or owned by communities inhabit more than 25% of the forest cover in developing countries, with the size projected to be twice by 2015 (Bull et al., 2002).Community-based forestry is estimated that almost one-third of the world's forest area is under some form of community-based management.(FAO,2016)

Positive influences of CBFM towards the forestlands and resource sustainable development have been reported in several studies (Pulhin, 2005). These comprise increment in forest cover, embracing improvement of technologies in farming and continual joint action in forest

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protection. For example, DENR records show that CBFM exertions have added to the establishing of more than 0.5 million ha of mangrove rehabilitation, tree plantations and agroforestry within the 5503 CBFM locations in the last decade. Likewise, communities that participate in CBFM regions were key in the safeguarding of nearly 5 million ha of forest lands in several systems of tenure. Nevertheless, the continued stress among the CBFM contributors to participate in destructive and illegal activities to make earnings is the lack of sustainable livelihood, and the persistent necessity to fix operative local management through consolidation of capacity and institutional support of the community. Further; these persist as challenges in achieving sustainable forest management.

2.2.2 Character of CFAs and its influence on forest management.

Collective action development is difficult and takes time especially in instances where a high cost of transaction in planning is required. Members need time to build synergies and trust each other. Leaders are important since they stand a great portion of the operation costs and may offer a mediating role in ensuring cooperation of others in case of conflict is maintained. In instances whereby the leadership may not support the group well, organizers in the community who are trained provide facilitation for the process through explanation of benefits of planning giving first point to leadership and recognizing others in the community who can succeed them (Dick and Knox, 1999). The government in Nepal approved rights of management and use to several native forest worker groups. This delocalization of power has provided optimistic output in protection of forest and local people's readiness to contribute in management of public forests and improve their managing abilities. (Tumbahanphe, 1998).

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The co-management efficiency of structures differs extensively subject to the decision powers allowed or reserved by the government, and whether duties and benefits are stable between diverse players. Regrettably, the benefits and prospects offered by community forestry are controlled by dysfunctional co-management systems. Expounding on the nature of rights and powers that are decentralized, and the way in which they effect the process of co-management structures is critical in knowing how community forestry systems operate (Wily, 2002; Kajembe et al., 2003).

2.3 profile of challenges against and opportunities to CFAs who participate in the management of Karura forest.

Forest department as one of the government agencies faced a major challenge in ensuring all members of staff are well informed and trained in broad areas of managing, conserving and using genetic forest resources (Uraiwan, 2000). In forestry and conservation, greater participation progress and knowledge on participatory approaches is essential for implementation process. It is important that member of staff who engage with local communities get training in these matters.

Also communication hindrance between officials and local people and also within the various managerial levels is another challenge that hinder problem solving mechanism.

Introduction of scientific forestry known as classical, during the colonial powers in overseas dominions, from mid-19th century aimed at environmental stability and capital accentuation and to the peasant security and welfare of community exclusion. Consequently, relocation of many communities took place from their residential homes and was deprived of access to the protected areas such as game parks .Although colonial forest policies quite often stressed “satisfaction of

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the needs of the people must always take precedence to revenue generation”, communities were, at best, restricted to subsistence extraction, of prescribed items such as head loads of fuel wood

(Odera, 2004).Additionally MENR (2007) reported that government restrictions and only a few had perceived priority on forest conservation. The idea might not go well with conservation objectives putting in mind that the hindrances to resources and making communities to understand the benefit of balancing between exploitation and conservation.

Increased poverty has been experienced in recent study analysis, whereby benefit of natural resources has been left to the hands of a few privileged individuals (Broad and Cavanagh, 1993).

This is evidenced in the forest sector particularly in logging exploitation. Poverty escalation and inequity has resulted to multitude of other interrelated problems such as countryside increased insurgency (Pulhin, 1996). Therefore, CBFM challenge is to spread and sustain the benefits to a wider scope of poor people living adjacent to the forest. It is important to develop resilience and viable enterprises with socio-economic opportunities especially to the local people depending on the forest resources (Pulhin et al., 2007).

Consequences arising from Co-management arrangements may involve lack of sharing the benefits and responsibilities as intended or promised. In the formal sector, resource use restrictions by government agencies affect the level of community participation, suppress innovation or even dismiss some stakeholders. Involvement in the decision making does not affect the top-down inherent powers imbalance procedures oversight for forestry agencies but the process needs local people to get approval by the state. Field inspections, submission of agreement to restriction of forest resource transportation or even sanctions for lack of

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compliance (Armitage et al., 2009). Source of conflict in the communities involves the prevailing attitude as opposed to the attitude obligatory in PFM implementation to ensure sustainable forest utilization (Pulhin et al., 2007). Communities still have the idea that they are entitled to full benefit of forest land, a right they have been deprived of for a long time and bitter about it. If the right could be granted to the communities the land can be all converted to agricultural activities which they perceive to be a more profitable thing. It is difficult for the

CFA to change this community perception towards effective forest utilization and management.

Local people face a number of challenges while working together towards forest resource management that they depend on for cultural needs, economic and numerous other benefits accrued to people including food, wood, firewood, medicine, building materials, organic fertilizer and livestock feed. Other benefit accrued from trees includes; protection of agricultural crops, defining of boundaries, soil erosion prevention, provision of shade and acting as a wind breaker (Barret et al., 2012).

FAO (2001) notes that Africa loses large tracks of the forests; up to 1 million ha every year, corresponding to about 0.7% in a year. Areas in the forests near human residential areas have been encroached and converted to agricultural and human settlements. Kinyanjui (2007) in a survey of Kenyan CFAs noted that, members had developed constitutions through consensus.

CFAs mainly source funds from contribution of members via registration and monthly/annual contribution charges; this shows the members’ commitment to support the associations. The major challenges faced by the CFAs were officials’ lack of transparency, failure of some members to contribute funds, benefits sharing, and an authoritarian tendency by some leaders

(Koech et al., 2009). The government-led tenure and forest reforms have gone through intricate

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challenges in outlining ways to distribute rights and also ensuring that those receiving the rights manage the resources in a sustainable way. In turn, a government regularly decentralizes management rights of the forest just partially, holding important powers (Feyerabend, 2000).

Conflicts on conservation versus exploitation of the forest are likely to come up during implementation of the PFM. A key target for including local communities in forest management is fostering forest sustainability with time. Implementation of Participatory Forest Management is still at the very initial stages but is already facing many challenges; this study will seek to establish whether CFA practices face challenges on forest management and also investigate on the relationship of CFA practices on sustainable forest management.

Most members of CFAs were motivated by opportunities to exploit resources in the forest

(MENR, 2007). Gathaiga and Ogada (2012) observed that CFAs are envisaged to enter into contractual co-management arrangement with KFS through preparation of joint plans.

A study done by Thenya et al (2017) in Hombe and Gathiuru forest stations in Mt. Kenya on equity in the forest plantation establishment and livelihood improvement indicated that annual inputs and outputs of three partners in PELIS including the Kenya forest service (KFS), three saw milling companies and the communities farming in these forests showed that applying the equity theory ratios, livelihood improvement provide an opportunity to address inequity in

PELIS under Participatory Forest Management.

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2.4 Theoretical Framework

2.4.1 Common resource pool

The study is guided by common resource pool theory which postulates that authorities managing given resource needs to formulate an effective strategy which will allow for collective management of the resource. According to Elinor (1993), land and forest degradation challenges leads to formation of “policy tools” which provides framework to be followed by the users of common pool resources. According to common resource pool theory, the effectiveness of decentralization for the management of forest resource is anchored in the following: level of trust among the managers, a shared understanding of the resource, ability of the community to organize and utilize and sustainability of the resource. Though the theory has no recognition on adaptive governance in regards to collective management, its advantageous as it focuses on establishing effective systems that compliments and rhythms with the culture, norms and values of communities involved in collective management of the common resource pools like forests.

2.4.2. Sustainable Forest Management

According to FAO (2010), SFM is an account of which the forestry sector can contribute to sustainable development objective of a particular nation endowed with forestry resources.

According to Weirsum ( 1995), The concept of sustainable forest management relates to the forest as ecological systems influenced by human environment but to forest as human influenced environments in relation to socio-economic environment which have a reciprocating relationships. Achieving sustainable forest management is ultimately dependent on the reconciliation of different social values with respect to forest resources.

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Figure 1: Modern concept of Sustainable Forest Management (source: Author)

Participatory Forest Management is very essential in contributing towards sustainable forest management as it focuses on the societal needs and values, ecological issues as well as the economic wellbeing of both the community and the state. The question lies on what context is this being achieved through involving CFA in forest management and conservation and what challenges are in place with the current practice as many studies have indicated that involving community in forest conservation and management can improve the condition and the state of the forest.

According to Tisdell (1991) sustainability has two objectives, biological and social system; the biological objective is concerned with conserving the structure of the ecosystem without destroying or degrading it while the social system ensures that persons in the ecosystem must have an opportunity for improving their socio-economic conditions. Therefore sustainability is a continuous process without a finite end point; various programmes like Participatory Forest

Management always integrate the local communities’ requirements, desires, and motivations

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within a given landscape as well as enable full participation when coupled with satisfactory benefit sharing arrangements.

This concept of Sustainable Forest Management as represented above is very essential to

Participatory Forest Management through involving CFAs in forest conservation and management of plantation as well as enhancing the social capital. Therefore there is great need for good governance where the benefit sharing is clearly defined in consideration to the opportunity cost, livelihood improvement in relation to Kenya Vision 2030, and active forest management while enhancing CFAs involvement in forest conservation and management towards achieving sustainable forest management. For this to be achieved Community Forest

Association (CFA) user groups needs to be sustainable and capable of understanding management objectives of the forest through participatory management plans. Nyukuri (2012) in his study about sustainability of Kieni forest station found that, Community Forest Association

(CFA) is very important in driving forest sustainability; members raise seedlings which they plant in the forest areas which are degraded. He further observed that the participation is related to the income of the people, the low income participate more in forestry activities towards sustainability including policing. The major challenge which needs to be addresses is creation of awareness to enhance more participation as this will go hand in hand with capacity building.

2.4.3 Conceptual framework

The CFA practices are very important in enhancing proper forest management. Tree planting is important in contributing to forest management since this is the core of engagement. Tree planting entails the whole process of seedling production and management, site preparation and

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actual planting. Maintenance of planted seedlings very important as it enhances survival. This entails, weeding, creeper cutting, watering in times of low rainfall and protection against fires, diseases and pests, human activities e.g. illegal logging, charcoal burning, encroachment, land grabbing etc. Members play a very important role in coordinating all socio-economic and cultural practices being undertaken by the CFA.

Dependent Variable Independent Variable

Improved managed Intervening Variables Management practices Karura Forest. undertaken by CFAs. Total acreage of the forest.

 Tree planting  Maintenance Challenges,weaknesses and threats faced by  Protection CFAs.  Resource mobilization Opportunities and  Employment strengths in  Eco-tourism conservation of Karura Forest.

Figure 2: Conceptual framework on community Forest associations’ Contribution and the relationship on management of Karura (Source: Author)

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It has been realized that forest management through resource mobilization, offering employment opportunities and eco-tourism development are some of the contributions of CFAs. Members are very instrumental on choosing the activities that will contribute to the improvement of their livelihood and also enhance forest management .Challenges, weaknesses and threats faced by

CFAs as well as opportunities, strengths the CFAs explore from the engagement are the intervening variables.

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CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter deals mainly with the way the research was carried out using both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate on the role of CFA practices on forest management. Target population was 141 comprising of members of CBOs drawn from eight CBO groups through complete enumeration technique and key informant survey done to three members of corporate members of the Friends of Karura, three officials of the CBOs and two officials of KFS.

Relevant instruments were used to collect data that included questionnaires, interviews and checklist.

3.1 Study area

3.1.1 Geographic location

Karura forest reserve is situated in the northern part of Nairobi Municipality. The Forest comprises three sections separated by the Limuru Road and the Kiambu Road. It borders

Gitathuru river to the South, New Muthaiga to the West, Gigiri/Rosslyn to the North and Limuru road to the East.Other borders are Muthaiga North, Runda, Thika road, Muthaiga Golf club and informal settlement of Huruma village. (GOK 1932).

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MAP OF STUDY AREA

Figure 3: A Map of the Study Area

(Source: Kenya forest Services headquarter, survey department)

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The Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) a Community Forest Association (CFA) established in 2009 as provided by the Forest Act, 2005 to provide support to the Kenya Forest Service in its role of protection, management and enhancing forest resources in Kenya. This was guided by a five year management plan and accompanying management agreement prepared jointly by the two entities. The terms of the Agreement outlines security (infrastructure, electric fencing and manning gates), conservation (controlled access, resource management, reforestation), and eco- friendly initiative to support recreation, science, education, and mutual financial accountancy for combined activities. Essentially, the agreement enshrines the principles of collaboration after the

FKF was chartered as a Community Forest Association. FKF’s ever-expanding membership gives the association forest protection, provision of access to people living around the forest and the public, forest restoration to its natural state provision of ecosystem services, and provision of employment to people from poor background living around the forest

3.1.1 Biophysical Description

3.1.1.1 Topography

The topography of Karura is gently rolling, occasioned by shallow valleys. Drainage is generally in the southerly and eastern direction. Sometimes depressions in the Western Section of Karura

(previously called Sigiria forest) hold small local swamps which are threatened by eucalyptus trees.

3.1.1.2 Climate

The climate of Karura Forest is characterized by two rain seasons: April-June and October-

December. Months of July to August are cold, cloudy but dry period. August to October Months

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are sunny and dry period. Months of January, February and early March are dry and hot. The average annual rainfall at Karura Forest Station was recorded over the past 10 years as 928.34 mm with a maximum of 1,239.90 mm and a minimum of 345.00 mm. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year and vary roughly with the times of cloud and sunshine.

3.1.1.3 Geology

The Karura Forest lies over tertiary volcanic rocks. Volcanic tuffs with intercalated flows of basaltic larva are the common forms. Both are sometimes visible in the lower river valleys.

Occasionally “Chimneys” of larva are present in the tops and rides of ridges as in the both the western section and middle section of Karura.

3.1.1.4 Soils

The area has suffered very little tectonic or other disturbances since tertiary times, and therefore the parent rocks undergo weathering to great depths and giving very level soil profiles. The soils turn sticky when wet then dry very fast and tend to crack and shrink. The top soil is usually dark brown in colour with integrated humus, but no deep litter layer develops. Under grassland in well drained areas, the soil is very similar to that under forest stands, but in the low lying areas a different soil is found. These low lying areas are intermittently water logged, and the water table fluctuates greatly, and a small amount of fine soil material is usually carried in from neighboring higher ground. At varying depths below this clay layer, from 2” to 3ft. below the surface, red brown laterite is found. It is rich in iron compounds, related with swampy areas having a shifting water table. Largely, Karura Forest soils are highly suitable for growth of trees, with assisted drainage in the case of swampy areas.

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3.2 Research design

The study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative method to present a detailed picture of CFA role in forest management and conservation. Qualitative research involved interviews, observations and description of the CFA and forest community activities without influencing them in any way (Mugenda and Mugenda, 1999). The study also generated quantitative data hence the use of quantitative research design. This design enabled the presentation of the data in form of tables, graphs and percentages. According to Shuttleworth

(2008), qualitative research is often used as a pre-cursor to quantitative research designs; the general overview giving some valuable pointers as to what variables are worth testing quantitatively.

According to Kombo and Tromp (2006) the main role of descriptive statistic is explanation of situation as it occurs and the researcher indicates the outcomes. Kerlinger (1969) notes that descriptive studies are more than finding facts, but may often result in the creation of vital principles of information and explanation to significant problems. They involve more than collection of data. They involve measurement, classification, analysis, comparison and interpretation of data.

The researcher used descriptive survey by collecting information through interviewing and administering questionnaires to individuals Orodho (2003). To use this design the researcher ensured the following; construct questions that solicited the desired information, identified the individuals that were to be resurveyed, identified the means by which the survey was done and summarized the data in a way that provided the designed descriptive information (Kombo and

Tromp, 2006).

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The study specifically intended to investigate the relationship between Community Forest

Association practices on forest management. Such issues are best investigated through survey.

The design enabled the researcher to come up with the role CFA practices have on forest management and how members’ characteristics contribute to forest management. It also established the challenges being faced by CFA.

3.3 Sample size and sampling procedure

3.3.1 Sample size

According to Mugenda (2003), the researcher should take a large sample; as per the records,

Karura forest association has approximately 141 CBO members. Using a register, all these members were selected for the interview; they were all available for the interview and the number was not large to warrant sampling.

A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the 141 CBO members. Interview schedules were administered to two KFS staff, three CBO officials and three Friends of Karura forest.

3.3.2 Sampling Procedure

The researcher used complete enumeration procedure from the eight CBO groups so as to enable the researcher to focus on the population of interest and be able to answer the research questions.

Before the research, the researcher had planned to use random sampling but during the interviewing session, the researcher realized that Karura forest has eight CBO groups which are members of the CFA, the total number of the members in these CBOs was 141 hence to obtain tangible information all of the members were interviewed. There are also 1000 registered

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corporate members of the Friends of Karura who use the forest for recreational purposes and mobilize resources to support the forest. The researcher decided to conduct Key Informant interview to three members of this group to establish their role in management of the forest; this technique allowed the researcher to utilize on the participants who have the required information with respect to the objectives of the study.

3.4 Data Collection methods

3.4.1 Questionnaires

Socio-economic data was collected with assistance of enumerators. The researcher was also involved in the questionnaire survey as one of the enumerators. The questionnaire was administered to the members of CBOs affiliated to the Karura forest association. Since the members were on daily basis working in Karura forest as casuals, interviews were scheduled at the work place in consultation with Karura forest management. Each member of the affiliate

CBO was interviewed individually on agreed schedule to minimize interference with their work.

Interview at household level was not possible since the CBOs members returned late to their houses.

3.4.2 Observations checklist

This involved observation and recording of activities being undertaken by the members of CBOs.

The researcher observed what people actually did rather than what they say they did, how they talked, their facial expressions and gestures to gain firsthand information. Recording information was done by a combination of photography and field note book.

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3.4.3 Photography

Photographs were extensively used to capture activities being performed, the forest vegetation, the community members, the projects, and many other aspects of the research. This method involved reproducing images using Digital Still Camera (DSC) and printing them into hard copies. Photographs reflected the realities of the action and could also be reproduced in numerous copies and shared by many other researchers.

3.4.4 Key Informant Interview Schedules

Interviews were conducted on Kenya Forest Service officials and employees in their offices and those who were out in the field. CBO officials and corporate members of the Friends of Karura were also interviewed in the forest. This key informant interview allowed the researcher to obtain information that could not be directly observed nor obtainable from historical records.

3.4.5 Secondary Data Collection

Secondary data was obtained through a review of literature from libraries in Nairobi University,

Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya Forest Service Headquarters, Kenya Forestry

Research institute, Karura forest, and internet and from various resource materials such as journals, newspapers, annual reports, books, thesis reports, workshop proceedings and periodicals.

3.5 Data Analysis

Completed questionnaires coded and cleaned in SPSS and data analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data was summarized and presented by use of frequency tables, pie charts and graphs.

Inferential statistics were used to establish associations at 95% confidence level.

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CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter covers analysis of data and discussions of the findings of the case study. Friends of

Karura forest is a Community Forest Association, members consisting of eight CBO groups together with 1000 elite members from Runda, Muthaiga and Whispers who are actually members of the CFA but they are mainly engaged in resource mobilization and use the forest for eco-tourism purposes. The members of the CBOs are mostly from the informal settlements of

Huruma neighboring the forest hence they view Friends of Karura Forest as a form of elite group who have high resource mobilization abilities .The researcher concentrated on the CBOs and interviewed the 141 members who are members of the CFAs .Data collected from the field was used to determine the forest management activities undertaken by Community Forest

Association, challenges faced by the CFAs (CBOs) in the management of the forest and opportunities in forest conservation by the CFA (CBO). The first section of the chapter presents the findings on the general information for the Karura CFAs (CBO) including the gender composition, position held by the respondent, CFAs (CBOs) group in Karura Forest, duration of stay and level of education.

4.1.2 Gender distribution of respondents

The household interviews revealed that majority of the respondent gender distribution were female with the sample comprising of 77% female and 23% male. The gender distribution was attributed to the fact that most of the women join the groups for women empowerment initiatives in CBOs group including management and conservation of natural resources where most women

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are engaged in casual laborers. Also the fact that most women benefits from fuelwood collection has attracted more women to join the CBO group. This is in line with Wekesa (2007) who found out that benefits accrued from joining CFA compelled more people to join Kimothon CFA this included collecting fuelwood and grass for livestock.

4.1.3 Community Based Organization respondents

The study found out that 94.4% of the respondents belonged to a CBO group while 5.6% did not give response. There were eight CBOs groups in Karura forest that were mentioned and which participate actively in forest management activities within Karura Forest. The CBOs groups include; Blue Sky (15.5%), Amani (13.4%), New Dawn (12%), Umoja (11.3%), Vision (11.3%),

Gukena (11.3%), Mushroom (10.6%) and Karuma (9.2%). The table 1 shows the respondent

CBO groups. The fact that there are several groups within one forest indicates that communities are eager to participate in the decentralization process (Ongugu et al., 2008).

Table 1: Community Based organization respondents

Community Based Organization Frequency Percentage of respondent (%)

Umoja 16 11.3 Vision 16 11.3 Karuma 13 9.2 Gukena 16 11.3 Mushroom 15 10.6 Blue Sky 22 15.5 Amani 19 13.4 New Dawn 17 12.0 No Response 7 5.6 Total 141 100.0

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4.1.4 Duration of stay as CBO members

38.4% of the CBO members had stayed in the group for less than 1 year with 33.8% being in the group for duration of 1-3 years. Among those who joined recently were youth, which indicates that there is willingness of members to participate in the management and conservation of Karura forest within the community. It is clear that young people are willing to participate in forest management and conservation (Smith, 2010). On the other hand, there were those who stayed in the CBO group for a longer period of time as follows; above 10 years (10.9%), 7-9 years (8.7%) and 4-6 years (7.2%). Among those who have participated for 10 years and above were elderly people who had a clear history about Karura forest on major issues regarding land grabbing, deforestation and insecurity. They mentioned that the forest is secure and safe with the integration of Community Forest Association which is under Forest Act. Through the successful management and conservation of the forest they were still willing to continue engaging in the

CBO activities. The study by (Matiku et al., 2013) showed that, age had no influence on forest management participation activities.

Figure 4: Duration of Stay as CBO members

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4.1.5 Level of Education of CBO members

The data indicate that 69.7% of the CBO respondents have attained primary education, 20.4% secondary education, 4.2 % tertiary and 2.8% do not have formal education (Figure 5). From the study findings, it is clear that most of the participants were literate as most had attained primary, secondary and tertiary level. There was no association between the level of education and CBO members’ level of participation in forest conservation and their access to various forest products such as firewood, among others. The members adjacent to the forest had equal opportunities to the access of the natural resources such as fuelwood which they were all allowed to fetch every thursday of the week irrespective of their education level. This is in agreement with study by

Tacconi,(2007), who noted that there were no relationship between education level and natural resource access. Although Mbuvi et al. (2017) indicated that level of education is important as leaders are expected to attend high-level meetings which are mainly conducted in English and requires basic literacy and are also expected to present issues affecting their communities and share feedback to the community. Oliver (2004) indicated that level of education does not influence community participation and awareness about forest management and conservation practices.

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Figure 3: Respondents’ education level

4.2 Forest management activities

4.2.1 Activities in Forest Management

The study findings established that among the major activities undertaken by CBO members in the forest management are bush clearing/slashing (32.7%), tree planting (32.3%), weeding

(26.7%), watering (5%), tree nursery management (1.2%), forest road improvement (0.9%) and garbage collection 1.2% which they are actively involved (Figure 6).

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Figure 4: Forest Management Activities

The CBO members are directly involved by KFS in casual jobs in Karura forest as part of forest conservation initiative. These activities are undertaken by both KFS and CBOs. The main activities and the role of CBO members include; assisting chief scouts, assisting visitors and representing CBO member’s interest in forums of environmental concerns. The main activities and the role of FKF include; coordinate infrastructure in general maintenance, manage regular casual workers in the forest, coordinate contractors and link to service providers such as Kenya

Power, internet access Kenya, provision of security, coordinate social responsibility funding, revenue and financial control. FKF partners with CBO members facilitate conservation and management of the forest. They have been able to plant more of the indigenous trees from 25% in 2009 to 75% to date.

The main activities and the role of KFS with CBO members are conservation and protection of forest resources, coordinate tree planting, revenue collection at the gate, protection of forest trees and wildlife. Ongugo et al .(2008), noted that adjacent communities depended heavily on forest

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products such as fodder, poles, firewood, posts, charcoal and medicinal plants, etc. This suggests the need of local communities to bring up mitigation measures towards reduction of heavy dependency on the forest products. In this case, CBO formation would play a critical role.

4.2.2 CBO activities undertaken separately without KFS

Figure 7 shows the activities CBO members undertake separately without KFS. These activities include beekeeping, making organic manure, seat hiring and Merry-go-round that form part of the group initiative besides conservation casual jobs that KFS involves them. Similar findings were reached at by Ongugo et al. (2007) who noted that communities have shown that they are capable of evolving effective forest production and protection systems ostensibly independent of the involvement of the Kenya Forest Service.

Figure 5: CBO Activities undertaken separately without KFS

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4.2.3 KFS activities undertaken without involvement of CBO members.

Majority of the respondent mentioned none of the KFS activities are undertake separately without them while some stated they do not know the activities KFS undertake separately without CBO members. Among the activities stated includes; patrolling in the forest, tree nursery management, bike riding and scouting (Figure 8).

Figure 6: KFS activities undertaken without involvement of CBO members

4.2.4 Activities dictated by season

Table 2 shows the activities dictated by seasons. During the rainy season CBO members are actively involved in tree planting, weeding and bee keeping activities whereas in dry seasons watering and slashing are the major activities they carry along with. This clearly shows fully willingness of the CBO members in the forestry management which they carry along continuously across the years as the conservation measures are linked with livelihood

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improvement initiatives. According to (Matiku et al., 2013) livelihood improvement programs help the community to make an informed decision on forest management support.

Table 2: Activities dictated by Season

Activity Percentage

Tree planting during rainy season 70

Weeding during rainy season 3

Tree planting/ weeding during rainy season and Watering/clearing during dry season 26

Slashing during dry season 1

Bee keeping during rainy season 1

4.2.5 Activities which have improved in the forest.

The CBO members are mainly involved in management and conservation of Karura Forest. The following are the activities which have improved since the CFAs were brought on board. These include planting of indigenous trees, maintenance of planted tree seedling, and provision of security among others (Figure 9). The main activities carried by the CFA in Karura are comparable to those in other forests in Kenya such as Kakamega Community Forest Association

(KACOFA), Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Adjacent Dwellers Association (ASFADA) and Meru

Forest Environmental Conservation and Protection (MEFECAP) which includes maintenance of planted trees and afforestation (Ongugo et al., 2008).

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Figure 7: Activities which have improved in the forest

KFS officers reported that CBO members have contributed towards protection, conservation and management of forest through employing some CBO members as scouts, conservation clerks to collect revenue, coordinate employment of casual laborers to clear bushes and to plant trees. The

FKF officers were in agreement also that the CBO members have contributed positively to the forest for instance through; putting up the fence, planting 30 ha over the previous season and casual labour such as maintainance of road trails. Reduced forest encroachment has been achieved through creation of jobs (74 permanent staff- 40 scouts, 34 tree carers, conservation clerks, accountants, over 100 casuals per month). This has also enhanced security and infrastructure within the forest. Social and economic activities in the forest along with conservation programs have converted hunters and thieves to casual workers and scouts (Matiku et al., 2013).

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4.3 Challenges faced by Community Based Organization in management of the forest

About half of CFA members mentioned that they face challenges in management of the forest.

35.2% mentioned that they do not face any challenge in the management of the forest while

11.3% did not give any response. The challenges the communities face while managing the forest were stated as; injuries due to lack of protective gears e.g. gloves and gumboots (13.4%), delayed payment through cheques (8.5%), fear of snakes (6.3% ) among others. The Table 3 shows the challenges faced by CFAs in management of the forest.

Table 3: Challenges faced by Community Based Organization (CBOs)in management of the forest

Challenges Frequency Percent

(%)

None 50 35.2

Injuries due to lack of protective gears e.g. gloves 19 13.4

No Response 15 11.3

Delayed payment through cheques 12 8.5

Fear of snakes 9 6.3

Working during extreme weather conditions e.g when raining 8 5.6

Low remunerations 7 4.9

Allocation of less working days 7 4.9

Lack of water around the station 4 2.8

Discrimination by some leaders 3 2.1

Few days allocated to fetch fuel wood 3 2.1

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Lack of toilets around the station 2 1.4

Long working hours 1 0.7

CFAs not allowed to visit the forest during free time 1 0.7

Total 141 100.0

The KFS officers noted conflict of roles as a managerial problem they experience due to involvement of CFA (FKF and CBO members) in forest management and conservation. They further noted that FKF hinder smooth running of forest operations since in most cases before most activities are undertaken they should be consulted and if not done, conflict emerge and this may delay certain activities. The FKF also reported conflicts in forest management such as lack of understanding of importance and ways of conservation. For instance, CBO members do not understand why they are not allowed to collect firewood in designated areas, encroachment during civil works such as road construction and putting up power lines. The FKF officers indicated that they also face managerial problems due to involvement of CBO members in forest management. These include; lack of proper synchronization between them and the senior staff in

KFS and FKF roles conflict. Similarly, Ngece et al. (2007) noted that the officers of the Kenya

Forest Service feel that some of their roles are being taken over by the FKF. This has weakened their position and denied them the right to participate in some activities.

4.3.1 Financial support

The results indicate that 51.1% of funding mainly comes from KFS, 35.2% come from Friends of

Karura (FKF) and 9.1 % is contributed by CBO members (Figure 10). Funds from KFS and

FKF scored highly as the most important sources of finances for the Association. This infers that

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these CBO members depend highly on the good will of the government through KFS and that

FKF members were committed to supporting the Association. This could also indicate that the

CBO is fairly well funded especially by Government and NGOs which can be attributed to the fact that the CBO members do not have the capacity to source for funds or is not well networked to be able to reach potential donors.

Figure 8: Financial Support

4.3.2 Participation in election of CBO leaders

Results indicated 77.2% of members participated in election of CBO leaders. Further results indicate that 59.1% had last participated in an election in the year 2018 whereas 32.3% participated in 2017 as indicated in the figure 11. Similarly 92.7% reported that the elections were free and fair and this could be attributed mainly to good leaders who were chosen as well as unity and cooperation among the members.80.3% members reported that they were satisfied with the work of the current leaders. The current leaders are doing their job well. Marschke and

Sinclair (2009) noted similar findings that the implementation activities depend on the motivation and vision of leaders in groups.

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Figure 9: Participation in election of CBO leaders

Table 4: Reason elections are free and fair

Reason Percentage(%) of Respondent

Unity and cooperation among members 28

Selection of best leaders of choice 46

Involvement of all members in balloting 15

No Corruption 4

No involvement of members 3

Never participated 4

TOTAL 100

4.3.3 Relationship between CBO members and KFS

The interview also sought to establish the relationship between CBO members and KFS. 70% reported that they were not involved in planning of activities in the forest with 30% being involved. Reduced opportunities for dialogue may limit participant learning, since dialogue is central to communicative learning, as established by Mezirow (2000). 96% of the respondents reported that there was no major conflict between CBO members and KFS, 93% indicated no

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conflict within the CBO members themselves, 97% said there is no conflict within KFS and 98% noted there is no conflict with others (Table 5).

Table 5: Relationship between CBO members and KFS

Percentage of Issues YES/NO Respondent Yes 30 Involved in planning of the activities in the forest No 70 Yes 4 Conflicts between CFA and KFS No 96 Yes 7 Conflicts within CFA No 93 Yes 3 Conflicts within KFS No 97 Yes 2 Conflicts with other No 98

4.4 Opportunities in forest conservation and management by Community Based

Organizations

4.4.1 Opportunities involving CBO in forest conservation and management

Based on the existing CBO groups, the study further inquired about future opportunities in forest conservation and management by CBO members. Responses in this question were summarized as shown in Table 6. It is clear that conservation goes along with community livelihood improvements, for instance through creation of jobs opportunities such as scouts to the youths and capacity building to the CBO members among others.

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Table 6: Opportunities involving CBO members in forest conservation and management

Future Opportunities Frequency Respondent Percentage Creation of more job opportunities e.g. scouts 59 41.5 More involvement in casual work 30 21.1 Growth in CFAs through capacity building 7 4.9 More bursary 3 2.1 Youth empowerment 1 .7 None 14 9.9 Well management beekeeping 9 6.3 Permit to small business investment inside Karura 7 4.9 Forest No Response 11 8.5 Total 141 100.0

4.4.2 activities which have contributed to livelihood improvement of the CBO members.

The finding of the study indicates that 96% of the CBO activities that contributes to livelihood improvement of the CBO members are casual employment by KFS in the conservation and management of forest (Figure 12). This shows collaboration of KFS and CBO members in the management of forest as per the Forest Act.

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Figure 10: Activities towards livelihood Improvement

Figure 13 clearly shows that the highest household income per month was found to be between

Ksh. 5,001-15,000 which was 85%, less than Kshs.5000 was 14% while only 1% of all participants earned more than Ksh.15,001. According to Vedeld et al. (2004), forests play an important role in poverty reduction through diversification of household income sources

Figure 11: Earning per Month

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4.4.Community perceptions on the contributions of Participatory Forest Management to improvement of livelihoods of CBO members.

When asked what they perceive as ways to improve CBO member involvement in forest conservation and management, distribution of the responses in this question were presented as shown in Table 7.

Table 7: Strategies for improvement of CBO involvement in forest conservation and management

Strategies Frequency Percentage (%) Don't Know 31 22 Provision of income generating projects e.g. horse riding, dams 17 12.1 construction and swimming pool Training and capacity Building 3 2.1 Increase security 1 0.7 Salary increment 10 7.1 Involvement in planning activities 16 11.3 Funding of the CFAs 4 2.8 Savings and Merry go round 10 7.1 Youth Empowerment 1 0.7 Creation of more jobs opportunities 23 16.3 Improving working conditions 1 0.7 More days involvement in casual jobs 15 10.6 No Response 9 6.4 Total 141 100.0

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As shown in Table 7 creation of job opportunities in conservation and management of the forest, was the most valuable strategy that was highly mentioned, provision of income generating projects and capacity building to CBO members were the other strategies thought to improve forest conservation. In Table 8, 58% of the respondent indicated opportunities on capacity building to CBO members mainly in bee keeping and fishing and 64% opportunities on employment. When considering factors that affect peoples’ participation in forest conservation and management in Oromia region in Ethiopia, Degeti and Yemshaw (2003) found out that awareness creation contributed to the understanding of the importance of forests, hence encouraging community members to participate in forest management actively. Having a better knowledge about the social and economic impact of deforestation, encourages people to take part in forest management actively. Training is one of the best ways to create awareness.

Table 8: Opportunities

Opportunities YES/NO Percentage (%)

Yes 58

Opportunities on capacity building to CFA members No 42

Yes 64

Opportunities on employment No 36

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The respondent stated that they foresee employment opportunity in areas of scout and as becoming a KFS employee which offers a more permanent employment as compared to scouts.

(Figure 14).

Figure 12: Opportunity for employment

Furthermore, the KFS officers support continuity in integrating CBO members in forest conservation and management. They foresee opportunities in Participatory Forest Management in information gathering to support forest activities, increase in employment of youth to better protect the forest resource. The FKF officers also support continuity in integrating CBO members in forest conservation and management. They further suggest that this can be done through employment of more scouts, research and education. The CBO leaders suggest more employment opportunities and training through exchange programs such as visit to Kakamega forest, more training in tree planting, development of infrastructure such as accommodation and camping facilities for tourists could bring more employment and improve income. They also support continuity in integrating CFAs in forest activities since they facilitate conservation of trees, provide safety and security, improvement of recreational center and assist in research.

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4.4 Key Informants results and discussions

Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), CBO and KFS officials were the key informants interviewed; the members of FKF are well educated and well informed. According to the responses by the

FKF, their main activity is to enhance conservation through resource mobilization which has enabled them to obtain funds for fencing of the forest, employment of scouts, and translocation of colobus monkey from Nyandarua and supplementing KFS by payment of casual workers. It emerged that the FKF believe that the forest adjacent communities are part of them while the

Karura forest adjacent community view the FKF as elites who have a lot of power in resource mobilization and preside over most of the decision making processes which may be noted as soft elite capture .The CBO members claim that FKF are the main drivers of Karura forest activities which sometimes leave them out hence feeling a sense of neglect. Challenges faced by FKF include; Government bureaucracy in purchase of goods, hiring, dismissal of personnel,

Uncooperative CBO and Conflict between CBO and FKF. Opportunities include; Enabling legal framework; Support from KFS; Willingness of stakeholders/partners and financially stable FKF members.

The conflicts between CBO members and FKF is mainly because the FKF dominates in decision making whereby the CBOs are rarely represented in such arenas and example is the construction of honey refinery which FKF spear headed but the CBO members did not find it necessary. This brings about the knowledge of politics in community forestry that professionalism authorizes some forms of knowledge and others being devalued. It is therefore critical to evaluate the dynamics of social settings of Karura forest community and interrogate the development of social order over time so as to distinguish the soft elite control over time of Participatory Forest

51

Management in context of decision making and benefits. This will open up clear ways of which different segments of the communities are involved in the process of decision making so as to enhance contribution towards effective Participatory Forest Management.

52

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of Findings

This study focused on the assessment of CFAs contribution towards management of Karura forest. While determining forest management activities, it aimed at assessing the CFAs activities towards management of Karura forest and identifying challenges encountered and opportunities in the near future. It came out clearly that there is disconnect between what is believed to be

Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Community Forest Association and the CBO members. FKF think they are one with the CBO members but the members think otherwise, KFS on the other hand regard FKF as the Community Forest Association registered under the provisions of Forest

Conservation and Management Act 2016. However despite all that, the research showed that the

CFA play great role in conservation and management of Karura forest.

The result findings from this study indicated CBO members and KFS actively work together in various activities that aim towards conservation, protection and management of Karura Forest.

Among the CBO activities identified included tree planting, bush/clearing, weeding and watering. Also KFS relies on information from CBO members that enables them in enforcement of policies and laws within the forest by virtue of the CBO members being adjacent to the forest.

The major challenge faced by the CBO members included injuries due to lack of protection gears e.g. gumboots and gloves during working. On the other hand, the opportunities foreseen in future included creation of employment through involvement of CBO members for more casual working days and their growth through capacity building especially on trainings. The study shows that members involvement in forest management activities have led to improved

53

livelihood of the CBO members through provision of casual work, bee keeping and fuel wood collection by KFS through Friends of Karura Forest. This has led to significant improvement in the overall livelihood of the adjacent communities members.

5.2 Conclusions

Positive change in the management of Karura Forest has been realized through collaboration efforts of KFS, CBO members and Friends of Karura. They present a great opportunity to reduce the current pressure on state forests for forest products and services. For communities to be reasonable contributors to sustainable forest management, they have to reach a reasonable level of socio-economic development, which will lead to better living standards. Further, they will have to be sensitized and educated on environmental issues in order to change their attitude towards the forest from being a primary source of products and casual labour employment to that of a resource that is necessary for survival. Communities need to be sensitized through training on other sources of livelihood to diversify their income base and participate in the wider economy of the country and allow efficient and sustainable utilization of forest resources. There is therefore need to improve their education levels; especially for the CBO leaders in order to provide better leadership to guide the members on new projects. This requires involvement of different Government ministries (education, health, development planning, water etc.) and development support in concrete efforts directed to forest community welfare.

Efficient running of the CBO members requires an elaborate framework and coordinated efforts rather than isolated efforts by different agencies such as KWS, FKF and KFS. The framework will enable good definition of the roles and responsibilities of the various groups (Government

54

and nongovernment) involved in the implementation as well as serving as a forum for evaluation and experience sharing and coordinating the aforesaid proposed social development programs and projects. The management of CBO members faces intrinsic, complex challenges and is likely to face difficulty in management. There is need to evaluate, critique, and study these challenges that they face and put in place ways to aid their effectiveness. It should be noted that in striving to involve communities in sustainable forest management, the ecological limitations of these forest resources are real and thus the success of the approaches applied is paramount.

5.3 Recommendations

From the findings of the study it is recommended that;

 Community Forest Associations (FKF and CBOS) have contributed towards protection,

conservation and management of the forest and thus continued engagement of CBO

members is important for promotion of sustainable forest management.

 The study recommends that FKF continue mobilizing resources to support management of

the forest.

 Capacity development for CBO members and officials is necessary. For CBO members to

grow and develop, training and capacity buildings to CBOs members and officials is

necessary.

55

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APPENDICES

Appendix I: Questionnaire For The Cfa Officials

TITLE: TO ASSESS THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY FOREST ASSOCIATION ON

MANAGEMENT OF KARURA FOREST, NAIROBI COUNTY

Introduction

This is a research project undertaken by Joyce Nthuku, a post graduate student at University of

Nairobi. The survey provides you with an opportunity to share your opinions on the impacts of community forest association activities on management of Karura forest.

The questionnaire will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. Kindly take your time and fill it. Please understand that this questionnaire is strictly confidential and will only be used for the purpose of this research.

Questionnaire No. ………………

SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Name of employee …………………..

2. Gender……………………

3. Position…….……………

4. Organization…………………………

5. Name of the station………………………….

6. Duration of stay as employee…………………………

7. Level of education…………

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SECTION TWO: FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.

What activities are undertaken in the forest management? Please list them…………………......

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

Are these activities undertaken by CFA and KFS ( a) together or (b) separately?

......

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Which activities are undertaken together KFS-CFA………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

As a CFA which activities are you involved in?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Which resources are required to undertake these activities?

...... ……………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………

Which activities are dictated by season, please list them and season……………………………...

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………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

Which activities are undertaken by Huruma CBOs

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Since inception of your CFA which forest management activities have improved in the forest

Explain......

......

......

......

......

In your opinion which activity/activities do you think is/are not necessary?

......

......

Explain......

......

......

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SECTION B: CHALLENGES FACED BY CFAS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE

FOREST.

What challenges do you face in undertaking these activities?

......

......

......

Do you get financial support from a) KFS b) other donor c) CFA members

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………

How do you divide you time between CFA activities and domestic work…………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you participate in election of CFA leaders?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…

Do you think the current leaders are doing their job well?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Are you involved in planning of the activities in the forest?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Are there any conflicts between (a) CFA and KFS (b) within CFA (c) within KFS (d) other ?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

SECTION C: OPPORTUNITIES IN FOREST CONSERVATION BY THE CFA

What opportunities do you foresee in future through involving CFA in forest conservation and management?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

How much do you earn from the forest?

Less than Kshs 5000

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………………………………………………………………………………………………

Between Kshs 5000 - 15,000

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Between Kshs 15,000 - 25,000

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Over Kshs 25,000

In your opinion what more strategies can be employed to improves CFA involvement in forest conservation and management

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you think there are opportunities on capacity building to (a) CFA members (b) CFA officials

(c) CfA employees?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you think there are opportunities on employment?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

END OF QUESTIONNAIRE

THANK YOU

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Appendix Ii: Key Informant Interview Schedule For Kfs Officers

Checklist for KII

1. What are the major activities and roles do you undertake with the CFAs in your station?

2. How has the CFA contributed towards the protection, conservation and management of

the forest?

3. On your side, are there any managerial problems, constraints you experience due to

involvement of CFA in the forest management and conservation activities?

4. Are there activities that could have been constrained without CFA involvement?

5. Do you support continuity in integrating CFA in forest conservation and management?

6. What are the opportunities in participatory forest management in your station?

KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR CFA (CBOS) OFFICERS

1. What are the major activities and roles do you undertake with the KFS in this station?

2. Is there any conflict in forest conservation and management?

3. Are there any signs of elite capture within the CFA management?

4. What are some of the suggestions you would like to propose to better manage the forest?

5. Do you support continuity in integrating CFA in forest conservation and management?

KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR FRIENDS OF KARURA.

1. What are the major activities and roles do you undertake with the KFS in this

station?

2. Are there any conflicts in forest conservation and management?

3. Has the CFA contributed towards the protection, conservation and management of

the forest?

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4. On your side, are there any managerial problems, constraints you experience due

to involvement of CFA in the forest management and conservation activities

5. Are there activities that could have been constrained without CFA involvement?

6. Do you support continuity in integrating CFA in forest conservation and

management?

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Appendix Iii: Photos From Karura Forest

Photos of an Enumerator during the Study (Researcher)

CBOs undertaking Activities (Photo; Researcher)

Elderly CBO Members at Casual Work (Photo ;Researcher)

70

CBOs doing casual work in the karura forest (Photo ;Researcher)

71

Appendix IV: Declaration Of Originality.

72

Appendix V: Research Permit.

73

Appendix VI : Plagiarism Test Outcome

74