Community Land Management Systems and Biodiversity Conservation in Laikipia County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Lenantiri, Francis Lopeyok Charles | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-08-01T09:53:34Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-08-01T09:53:34Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-05 | |
| dc.description | A Research Report Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, May, 2025 Supervisor; 1; Wilson Muna | |
| dc.description.abstract | Community land management systems and biodiversity are closely interconnected, with community-based approaches. This study examined the effects of community land management systems on biodiversity conservation in the context of Laikipia County in Kenya. The research objectives were to establish the effects of governance structures, decision-making approaches, community land registration process and enforcement structures on biodiversity conservation Laikipia County in Kenya. In carrying out this study, stakeholder theory, theory of management of common pool resources and sustainability theory were the founding theoretical frameworks. Descriptive survey with cross-sectional approach was used to execute the study. The targeted population was 2,035 consisting of 6 Ministry of Land and Environment Officers in Laikipia County, 29 managers of conservancies and it also included 2,000 community land representatives in Laikipia County. The sample size of sample size of 327 was obtained through Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample-determination table. Proportionate stratified random sampling was adopted. Before collecting data, authorization was acquired from the relevant agencies. Data was gathered through triangulation of structured questionnaires, interviews, and observation guide. Pilot-testing of the instruments was conducted in Samburu County to sample size of 10% of the real study. Validity was enhanced through matching constructs with the questions in the data collection instruments. Reliability was determined through split-half method. Qualitative data was analyzed via content analysis. Numerical data collected by means of structured questionnaires was analyzed through descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (coefficients of correlation and determination and Beta coefficients). Relationship between variables was determined via Pearson`s Product Moment Correlation Method. Regression analysis was used to predict the biodiversity conservation given community land management systems using F=test at 95% confidence interval. Descriptive statistics revealed that for the overall mean of 4.04 majority of respondents strongly agreed governance structure had great contribution to biodiversity conservation in Laikipia County. For the combined mean of 3.98, 3.96, 3.98, most of the respondents were in agreement that decision-making approaches, community land registration process and enforcement structures contributed to biodiversity conservation in Laikipia County. The strength of influence of community land management systems on biodiversity conservation in Laikipia County decreased in the following order: enforcement structures, decision-making approaches, governance structure and community land registration process. Community land management system accounted for 81% variation in the biodiversity conservation in Laikipia County (R2=0.56). It was therefore concluded that that enhancing community land management through improved governance, inclusive decision-making, effective land registration and strong enforcement mechanisms can significantly contribute to better biodiversity conservation outcomes. The Government was recommended to develop and enforce policies that support inclusive and participatory governance structures for community land management. Practitioners including conservation lists, managers and administrators should implement participatory approaches and initiate training programs to build and empower the community members and leaders on sustainable land management practices and the importance of biodiversity conservation. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/31015 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Community Land Management Systems and Biodiversity Conservation in Laikipia County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |