Browsing by Author "Alusiola, Rowan Alumasa"

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    Livelihoods and Sustainable Conservation Nexus amongst the Ogiek Community Living in Mau Forest, Nakuru County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-05) Alusiola, Rowan Alumasa
    Forests play a crucial role in alleviating poverty among rural, forest-dependent communities. However, a dilemma emerges as these communities seek to sustain their livelihoods while the governmental bodies and stakeholders for conservation endeavor to safeguard and preserve forests. Balancing the dual objectives of livelihood sustainability and conservation poses a challenge for all parties involved. This study assessed the link between livelihoods, sustainable conservation, and the Ogiek indigenous community of Molo Sub County. Three main objectives addressed by the study are: (1) to assess the socio-economic and environmental challenges facing the Ogiek community, (2) to analyze the sustainability of the main forest resources supporting the Ogiek community, and (3) to examine the challenges of collaboration between the Ogiek community and other stakeholders in fostering sustainable livelihood safeguarding Mau Forest. Applying a landscape approach framework, the study incorporated strategies that intersect and harmonize to facilitate the integration of agricultural and forestry issues. The target population of the study was 300 Ogiek community households and 12 representatives from Chiefs, HRG, CFA, and KFS, representatives. The study employed a purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. The primary survey tool used for data collection was questionnaires. The study gathered information through Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants. In conducting data analysis, the study utilized descriptive statistics, specifically focusing on frequencies and percentages, through the application of SPSS version 22. Our results indicate that the Ogiek community almost entirely relies on the forest for their livelihood. Moreover, the consequences of forest eviction on household livelihoods varied, with both adverse and beneficial impacts depending on the economic capacity of different households. We propose prioritizing the Ogiek community in all conservation programs, emphasizing their complete involvement across all levels of such initiatives. Additionally, it is recommended to diversify integrated sustainable forest livelihood programs to meet Ogiek’s varied needs. To mitigate existing conflicts, tenure reforms should explicitly define property rights, including the legal acknowledgment of customary claims.
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    Livelihoods and Sustainable Conservation Nexus amongst the Ogiek Community Living in Mau Forest, Nakuru County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Alusiola, Rowan Alumasa
    Forests play a crucial role in alleviating poverty among rural, forest dependent communities. However, a dilemma arises as these communities strive to sustain their livelihoods while governmental bodies and stakeholders for conservation endeavor to safeguard and preserve forests. Balancing the dual objectives of livelihood sustainability and conservation presents a challenge for all parties involved. This study assessed the link between livelihoods, sustainable conservation, and the Ogiek indigenous community of Molo Sub-County. The three main objectives of the study are: (1) to analyze the Ogiek community's challenges in accessing forest resources. (2) to assess conservation efforts for the sustainable use of Mau Forest resources supporting the livelihoods of the Ogiek community. (3) to examine the challenges of collaboration between the Ogiek community and other stakeholders in fostering sustainable livelihoods while safeguarding Mau Forest. Applying a landscape approach framework, the study incorporated strategies that intersect and harmonize to facilitate the integration of agricultural and forestry issues. The study's target population consisted of 300 Ogiek community households and 12 representatives from Chiefs, HRG, CFA, and KFS. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were employed. The primary survey tool for data collection was questionnaires. The study gathered information through Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants. For data analysis, the study utilized descriptive statistics, explicitly focusing on frequencies and percentages, using SPSS version 22. My results indicate that the Ogiek community relies almost entirely on the forest for its livelihood. The Ogiek community, however, faces significant challenges in forest resource access and conservation participation due to limited engagement with CFAs and ongoing socio-political tensions. Their dependence on forest products for livelihood highlights the urgent need for inclusive policy reforms prioritizing their input while fostering sustainable practices and alternative economic opportunities. Policymakers should engage them in collaborative dialogue to incorporate their needs into forest management. Inclusive reforms that recognize their rights, alongside initiatives for sustainable practices and alternative economic opportunities, will enhance their livelihoods and improve forest conservation.