Impacts of Kipepeo Conservation Project on Livelihoods and Climate Change Mitigations among Arabuko Sokoke Communities, Kilifi County, Kenya
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Date
2014-03-10
Authors
Okeyo, Rodah Owako
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Abstract
Conservation projects can improve the livelihoods of community members as well as
tackle climate change. Kipepeo project is a butterfly farming project initiated in 1993
to provide a means of livelihood for the communities living around Arabuko Sokoke
Forest and also to conserve the forest. The study was carried out to assess the impacts
of Kipepeo conservation project on livelihoods of local community and on climate
change mitigations in Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kilifi County, Kenya. The specific
objectives of the study were to evaluate the ongoing conservation activities related to
the Kipepeo project, to establish the existing socio economic conditions in the project
area, to assess the contribution of the Kipepeo project towards climate change
mitigation and to assess the impacts of the project on the livelihoods of the local
communities living around the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. A descriptive survey design
was adopted in which 46 randomly selected respondents were drawn from 110
households participating in the Kipepeo project. Two key informant interviews with
Kipepeo staff were also completed. A structured questionnaire was used to gather
data on socio economic conditions of the Kipepeo project area as well as incomes
obtained from participation in the Kipepeo project. Data was analyzed using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented in tables and charts.
Results from the study showed that the Kipepeo project through rearing of butterflies
has led to conservation activities among majority of the local community (70%) who
practice tree planting which contributes to climate change mitigation. The study also
showed that the income levels of the respondents had increased with 72% of them.
earning between Ksh 6000-10000 per month compared to 4% earning same amount
before joining the project implying a significant increase in income. (n=46,
s=188.27). Results also show that there is a positive correlation between income from
butterfly farming and contribution to school fees paid for respondents children.
(p=0.539, n=35, r=0.109). Majority (100%) of the respondents were aware of the
importance of conservation and felt that the ASF is very important and should be
conserved. (X2=198.25, n=46, df=2, p=0.000). The study concluded that the Kipepeo
project is incentive driven and helped to link livelihoods, conservation and climate
change mitigation and recommends further research on other insect species that can
be reared by communities to earn them income in order to improve their livelihoods
while encouraging conservation.
Description
Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development, 2013