Implications of Gender Relations on Forest Management among the Indigenous Ogiek of Mau Forest in Nakuru County, Kenya
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Date
2024-01
Authors
Kiprono, Cheruiyot Paul
Kalekye, Musyoki Geraldine
Wafula, Otiato Justus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
JSS
Abstract
This study aimed at interrogating the implications of gender relations among
indigenous Ogiek on management of Mau Forest in Nakuru County, Kenya
to guide gender mainstreaming in forest management. The study employed
cultural ecofeminist theory which captures relationship between women and
the earth, comparing how women and nature are subordinated by men in patriarchal society. The study used descriptive survey study design, with sampling arrangement involving purposive and systematic random sampling
methods to choose seventy-four respondents from the community forest associations (CFAs) within the Mau ecosystem. Data from the indigenous Ogiek
residents were collected using questionnaires while key-in-depth interview
schedule was used to collect data from Ogiek village elders, Kenya Forest Service Officers, and area chief. Test-retest method was used to test reliability of
research instruments. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analysed establishing patterns, categories, and themes.
The findings showed that there exists traditional gender division of labour
underprivileged by Ogiek patriarchal social structure which influences forest
management among indigenous Ogiek of Mau Forest. The findings further
revealed that the forest legal framework in Kenya especially the Kenya Constitution 2010, Forest Policy 2014 and Forest Act 2016 are gender blind. Further, Community Forests Associations face gender equality deficit in representation where indigenous Ogiek women are subordinated due to cultural
setup of Ogiek which prioritises men over women in leadership. The study
recommends that the indigenous Ogiek women should be sensitized to join
and actively be part of the CFAs. Forest empowerment interventions should
consider gender roles which constrain indigenous Ogiek women from participating in forest reform activities. Lastly, CFAs institute measures on equality
in forest resource exploitation and benefits sharing while alive to cultural constraints affecting indigenous Ogiek men and women
Description
Article
Keywords
Gender, Forest Management, Indigenous Ogiek, Community Forest Association
Citation
Kiprono, C. P., Kalekye, M. G., & Wafula, O. J. (2024). Implications of Gender Relations on Forest Management among the Indigenous Ogiek of Mau Forest in Nakuru County, Kenya. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 12(01), 127-147.