Spatial and Political Factors in Forest Resource Conflicts: The Eastern Mau Forest Case 1992–2014
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Date
2019-04-21
Authors
Kweyu, R.
Kiemo, K.
Thenya, T.
Emborg, , J.
Gamborg, C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
This paper examines conflicts and forest resource politics in Eastern
Mau, which is part of the Mau forest complex in Kenya. Conflict hotspots are mapped based on geo-coded transect walks, observation
points derived from a combination of qualitative interviews, and
informal conversations with local residents. Conflicts are categorized
in terms of their temporal, spatial and substantial dimensions; and
connections between conflict hotspots and forest resource politics
are discussed. The study documents drivers of conflict such as forest
and land resources access, political patronage and competition
among ethnic groupings. Political patronage related to the voter
sourcing seems to be a key underlying driver of forest and land use
conflict. There is need to improve forest resources governance in
order to water down patronage and reduce conflicts.
Description
A Research Article in the Society & Natural Resources An International Journal
Keywords
Forest conflict, Political ecology, Political patronage
Citation
R. Kweyu, K. Kiemo, T. Thenya, J. Emborg & C. Gamborg (2019) Spatial and Political Factors in Forest Resource Conflicts: The Eastern Mau Forest Case 1992–2014, Society & Natural Resources, 32:11, 1276-1292, DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2019.1620899