A field guide to valuable trees and shrubs of Kaya Mudzi Muvya forest in Kilifi county, Kenya

Abstract

Kaya Mudzi Muvya is a coastal lowland dry deciduous forest which is protected and gazetted as a national monument under Antiquities and Monuments Act Cap 215 and placed in the World Heritage List by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2008. Trees and other plants within the Kaya and surrounding forests have been an integral part of life of the Rabai community living around Kaya Mudzi Muvya and are an invaluable source of historical and scientific information. The plants form an integral part for social and economic development for the Rabai’s cultural identity and practices. A good number of the indigenous trees in Kaya Mudzi Muvya are of cultural significance and the gradual disappearance of such tree species will inevitably lead to cultural erosion. Indigenous knowledge as embedded in the local experience and historic reality makes it possible for Rabai community to live harmoniously with their environment for generations. Indigenous knowledge guides the community on how to sustainably utilize their natural resources through a variety of innovations. This role of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation and sustainable management is immense. However, due to increasing disregard for traditional values and practices and unsustainable exploitation of natural forest resources, the other Kaya forests surrounding Kaya Mudzi Muvya are faced with threats of extinction. While the loss of plant resources may be irreversible, it can be avoided. Therefore, it is important to integrate management and conservation of natural resources with conventional and traditional practices building on local indigenous knowledge. Any management practices should be introduced and implemented in consultation with the Kaya Elders. Kenya Forestry Research Institute has recognized Kaya Mudzi Muvya forest for its cultural, biological and economic values. The Institute will partner with Rabai community and relevant local, national and international research and development partners to generate forestry technologies for rehabilitating degraded sites within the Kaya Mudzi Muvya, surrounding Kayas and in farmlands. This strategy aims at complementing nature-based and ecotourism activities initiated by other development agencies for the benefit of the local communities to protect and conserve Kaya Mudzi Muvya forest. The content of this booklet is based on an ethno-botanical survey that documented trees, shrubs and herbs that are of value to the local communities around Kaya Mudzi Muvya forest. This field guide recommends the rehabilitation of Kaya forests using popular and priority endemic species. The field guide also emphasizes that any interventions in the rehabilitation of the Kayas and farmlands be undertaken in partnership with the local communities to enhance conservation.