Household Factors Affecting the Implementation of Forest Conservation Strategies: A Case of South Nandi Forest, Nandi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study found out that the majority of the locals are not employed. They may end up encroaching into the forest for the activities that will generate some income for them. The majority of the locals earn less than US dollars 100 which are not enough to take care of their loved ones. Daily expenditure is not good enough to satisfy their needs which are likely to tempt them to encroach into the forest. The forest provides a good source of firewood since it is the source of fuel that the locals mostly use, thus inhibiting strategies that may lead to stopping them from over harvesting from the forest. The study found out that for forest conservation to be effective, more motivation is needed and more of training should be done to educate people about the importance of forests, the need to conserve them and how to conserve them. For better handling of the challenges on implementation of forest conservation measures, there should be full involvement of local community in forest conservation. Barazas are the ideal method of communication through which information regarding forest conservation is gotten and they should make sure that many people are involved in planning and implementation of forest conservation activities. With more efforts from the relevant authorities, it’s easy to converse the forest and make sure that tree planting is the best way of planning and implementation of forest conservation activities. Through forest conservation and proper management, the forest can be very beneficial to many that stay around without destroying it. The local authorities can use the available environmental groups to enlighten the community on the importance of forest conservation. The study found out deforestation through illegal logging, charcoal burning, and the encroachment of forests for human settlement and agriculture. These problems are compounded by illiteracy, poverty and rapid growth of the human population. Promoting awareness campaigns is the best to counter challenges in forest conservation. Men should not be taken to be sole decision makers, which in turn hinders the implementation of forest conservation measures. Women should be incorporated in the decision making process.