Browsing by Author "Ngaruiya, Grace W"

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    Cherangany Hills Forest Ecosystem Services Assessment Report, 2025
    (Nature Kenya - the East Africa Natural History Society, 2025) Muoria, Paul K.; Wabuyele, Emily; Gacheru, Paul; Ngaruiya, Grace W; Amadi, Jacinta A.; Waichoka, James; Kamau, Joseph W.; Njenga, Peninah; Karanja, Rebecca; Mutunga, James; Kimani, Julius; Lagat, Mercy Jeptum; Ruto, David; Kipruto, Caroline; Mbuvi, M.T.E.; Mwadalu, Riziki; Mwamodenyi, James M.; Mwamodenyi, James M.
    The Cherangany Hills Forest is a vital ecological resource that provides essential ecosystem services — supporting livelihoods, maintaining biodiversity, and contributing to both regional and national economies. However, this ecosystem faces mounting pressures driven by an increasing human population and the expansion of agricultural land. Other significant threats include unsustainable resource extraction, climate change, habitat loss and degradation and the spread of invasive plant species. These challenges endanger the forest’s ability to continue providing critical goods and services to communities. This ecosystem service assessment was conducted to evaluate the current value of key ecosystem services and to explore how these values might change under two contrasting future scenarios: a business-as-usual trajectory and a restoration-focused pathway. These future scenarios were informed by a parallel study that identified and mapped degraded areas within the Cherangany Hills forests that require restoration. This comprehensive report is the result of a collaborative effort, drawing on diverse expertise to capture a broad spectrum of ecosystem service values. It covers water provisioning for domestic, livestock, agricultural and hydroelectric power generation purposes, alongside the tangible benefits of harvested wild goods, crop production, carbon sequestration and the cultural significance of the forest to local communities. The report demonstrates the essential role of the ecosystem in supporting both human well being in immediate landscape and even beyond. According to the study, the restoration scenario offers significant economic benefits at local, regional, and national levels alongside numerous environmental advantages. This report contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the case for restoring this critical ecosystem. Moreover, the findings will guide key policy and planning processes including forest management planning, County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), climate change strategies and other county and national-level policies. This work would not have been possible without the dedication of the research team; collaboration from project partners including Kenyatta University, Nature Kenya, Kenya Forest Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service and the National Museums of Kenya and the invaluable support of all stakeholders. We are confident that this report will inform decision-making, inspire restoration initiatives and contribute to securing the long-term resilience of the Cherangany Hills Forest.