Community use and product valuation of forest resources in Maasai Mau, Kenya

Abstract

Forests play an important role in the livelihoods of local people in most developing countries. Local communities depend on forest resources for various products such as fuel wood, construction materials, medicine, and food. The Maasai Mau forest plays an important role in supporting the livelihood of people living around the forest. The forest has been degraded by habitation and uncontrolled exploitation of forest resources and services. Honey (36.9%), Medicine (35%) and firewood (26%) and water (30.9%) were all mainly sourced from the public forest Exploitation of forest resources should be undertaken in a sustainable manner to ensure posterity. To reduce dependency on the forest, alternative means of livelihood should be provided to reduce dependency on the forest. Rehabilitation efforts have been supported by local communities and other government agencies. Aerial seeding and tree planting are two methods that have been adopted to aid in Maasai Mau rehabilitation and restoration.