Use of Community Cultural Practices and Beliefs in the Conservation of Lake Baringo Ecosystem in Kenya
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Date
2018-07
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science publishing
Abstract
Cultural practices and beliefs are closely linked to biodiversity conservation. The paper presents an analysis of
information collected from three indigenous communities (Ichamus/Njemps, Pokots and Tugen) living in Lake Baringo
ecosystem, Kenya. We argue that community cultural practices and beliefs have an impact in the conservation of ecosystems
such as that of Lake Baringo. Descriptive survey method where semi-structured questionnaires were administered to household
heads was used to collect data. Qualitative, participant observation and recording of key informants were also used in data
collection. The data collected was guided by the Ecosystem Services (ES) framework. Analysis was done using a combination
of descriptive and content analysis. The analysis shows that cultural practices and beliefs have some positive and negative
impacts in the conservation of an ecosystem. It is recommended that cultural practices and beliefs may be useful in the
conservation of an ecosystem but care must be taken to ensure that those culture practices that are not compatible with
ecosystem management are eliminated.
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Citation
Ming’ate Mogambi Lamech Felix, Karigu Mary. Use of Community Cultural Practices and Beliefs in the Conservation of Lake Baringo Ecosystem in Kenya. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Vol. 3, No. 3, 2018, pp. 32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20180303.11