Livelihoods and Sustainable Conservation Nexus amongst the Ogiek Community Living in Mau Forest, Nakuru County, Kenya
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Date
2024-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Forests play a crucial role in alleviating poverty among rural, forest-dependent
communities. However, a dilemma emerges as these communities seek to
sustain their livelihoods while the governmental bodies and stakeholders for
conservation endeavor to safeguard and preserve forests. Balancing the dual
objectives of livelihood sustainability and conservation poses a challenge for
all parties involved. This study assessed the link between livelihoods,
sustainable conservation, and the Ogiek indigenous community of Molo Sub County. Three main objectives addressed by the study are: (1) to assess the
socio-economic and environmental challenges facing the Ogiek community,
(2) to analyze the sustainability of the main forest resources supporting the
Ogiek community, and (3) to examine the challenges of collaboration between
the Ogiek community and other stakeholders in fostering sustainable
livelihood safeguarding Mau Forest. Applying a landscape approach
framework, the study incorporated strategies that intersect and harmonize to
facilitate the integration of agricultural and forestry issues. The target
population of the study was 300 Ogiek community households and 12
representatives from Chiefs, HRG, CFA, and KFS, representatives. The study
employed a purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. The
primary survey tool used for data collection was questionnaires. The study
gathered information through Focus Group Discussions and in-depth
interviews with key informants. In conducting data analysis, the study utilized
descriptive statistics, specifically focusing on frequencies and percentages,
through the application of SPSS version 22. Our results indicate that the Ogiek
community almost entirely relies on the forest for their livelihood. Moreover,
the consequences of forest eviction on household livelihoods varied, with both
adverse and beneficial impacts depending on the economic capacity of
different households. We propose prioritizing the Ogiek community in all
conservation programs, emphasizing their complete involvement across all
levels of such initiatives. Additionally, it is recommended to diversify
integrated sustainable forest livelihood programs to meet Ogiek’s varied
needs. To mitigate existing conflicts, tenure reforms should explicitly define
property rights, including the legal acknowledgment of customary claims.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Environmental Studies and Community Development in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science of Kenyatta University, May 2024.
Supervisors
1. Stephen Njoka Nyaga
2. Joseph K. Muriithi