Conservation priorities in the arid and semi-arid lands: the case of the hilltop forests of Kenya

Abstract

The arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kenya are facing a serious environmental deterioration, largely due to the rapidly increasing population, overgrazing and changing lifestyles. This deterioration is being extended to the hilltop forests within the ASALs as people seek for livelihood in this "saviour sites". There is therefore urgent need for research into the array of issues in this crisis in order to be able to formulate viable conservation and development strategies. Effective conservation has to be broader based and firmly grounded and calls for the involvement of the local people as partners in conservation efforts since the hilltop forests are central to the rural culture.