Dynamics of conflict in decentralised forest management in Mount Kenya forest
Loading...
Date
2016-11
Authors
Wairuri, Stephen Chege
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Many developing countries have been decentralizing some aspects of natural resource
management. Governments justify decentralization as a means of increasing access,
use, management, and decision making on natural resources. In Kenya, decentralisation
points to conflict resolution whether explicitly or implicitly. However, the questions of
to what degree and in what ways decentralization affect conflict in management of
natural resources in Kenya have largely been overlooked. Thus, the main focus of this
study was to analyse the role of forest decentralization reforms in influencing conflict
in management of forest resources in Kenya, with a focus on Mount Kenya forest. A
case study approach was employed. A sample size of 375 respondents was used. The
study was guided by a conceptual framework derived from Walker and Daniels Conflict
Process Triangle. Data was gathered using a constellation of social science research
instruments which include household questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions, Key
Informant Interview and documents analysis. Data analysis of interview scripts and
field notes was based on an inductive approach geared to identifying patterns in the data
by means of thematic codes. Questionnaire data was subjected to quantitative analysis
using SPSS Version 20.0. Results showed that decentralisation altered the substantive,
procedural and relational permutations in Mount Kenya Forest. Consequently, after
decentralisation of forest management, conflicts in Mount Kenya forest has reduced.
Conflict scores were significantly higher for the period before decentralization of forest
management (M = 29.7, SD = 5.6) than for the period after decentralization (M = 25.0,
SD = 5.0), t(375) = 14.6, p<0.05. Variant legal frameworks have given traction to
macro-macro conflicts. Impacts of conflicts before and after decentralisation were
experienced more significantly by women. Fear, disharmony, distrust and delay in
accessing forest benefits were cited as the most important impacts of conflict after
decentralisation of forest management. The study found that access to the forest
declined after decentralisation in Mount Kenya forest. The mean score for access/use
before decentralization (M = 19.14, SD = 5.90) was significantly higher than for the
period after decentralization (M = 17.82, SD = 7.58), t (375) = 3.528, p<0.000. Forest
User Group members have more access to forest benefits than non-members. The study
found there is poor enforcement of law relating to authorised firewood loads and
livestock grazing. The study found that reliance on forcing and avoiding conflict
management styles decreased after decentralisation. The use of accommodating,
compromising and collaborating conflict management styles increased significantly
after decentralisation. It can be concluded that decentralisation has achieved one of its
objectives which is reduction of destructive conflict. The study concludes that
decentralisation under the current legal regime is more of “deconcentration” rather than
“devolution” (democratic decentralisation) considering that Kenya Forest Service
(KFS) has the final say on the fate of Forest Management Plans and Forest Management
Agreements. Laxity in enforcement of law will continue to undermine sustainable forest
management. It is recommended that KFS and Community Forest Associations consults
widely before reaching certain decisions on the forest. There is need to audit the
conflicting sections of different laws and amend them to avert macro-macro conflicts.
Lastly, the Forest Act amendment should give timelines within which Forest
Management Plans and Agreements should be adopted and signed respectively. An
amendment of the Act should also add a clause to protect Forest Management Plans and
Agreements them from arbitrary decisions by KFS.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the school of environmental studies of Kenyatta University, November 2016