DEFORESTATION AND DECIMATION OF BIOTA IN
KERICHO DISTRICT OF KENYA,
EAST AFRICA Ij
A Thesis Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirement
for the Degree of Doctor of Phj1usophy of
Kenyatta University
by
RICHARD KIMUTAI bsEREH--
- KencIT Kicnard Kimutai
Defore~tation and
decimation of Biota in
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
92/201021
1990
(i i)
DECLARATION
"This thesis is my original work and has not been
presented for a degree in any University".
RICHARD KIMUTAI KERICH
This thesis has been submitted for examination with
our approval as University supervisors.
DR. MICHAEL K. KOECH
Senior Lecturer and Dean,
Faculty of Environmental Studies,
Kenyatta University.
PROFFESSOR
Associate Director
Kenya National Museums~
(iii)
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated
to my parents.
(iv)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
For the study to succeed financial support was
needed. I wish to sincerely thank East African Wildlife
Society (EAWS) and the Fund for Conservation Endeavour
jointly contributed by African Fund for Endangered
Wildlife (AFEW), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF),
EAWS, and Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), for
their financial support. Their kind donations towards
the project was very much appreciated. In particular
I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Nehemiah
Rotich (Executive Director EAWS) and Edward B. Wilson
(on behalf of Fund for Conservation Endeavour) for their
cooperation and encouragement during the period of study.
My thanks also goes to Mr. Munai of EAWS and Mr. Mutwiri
of World Hide Fund tor nature (WWF) for their kind
attention while in search for the funds. Finally my
gratitude goes to Kenyatta University for the financial
•.
support rendered toward the completlon of the study.
Even where funds were available, much would not
be accomplished without constant guidance from the
supervisors, Special thanks therefore goes to my
supervisors whose guidance was indispensable at every
level of the study. First, I wish to thank Dr. Michael
K. Koech, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Studies
of Kenyatta University who despite his day to day
(v)
running of the department, he still found it
possible to render invaluable help. Without his
close guidance, the study could not have attained the
quality it has. Secondly, I would like to thank
Professor Steven G. Njuguna. Of Kenya National Museums for
his unfailing concern. His guidance throughout the
study made it easy for me to accomplish an otherwise
difficult task.
My sincere thanks goes to Dr. Henk Beentje of
East African Herbarium, Kenya National Museums, for
reading through my draft proposal and recommending it
to East African Wildlife Society (EAWS) for funding.
His comments both oral and written regarding the
proposal helped me alot in improving it and making
the necessary modifications.
Identification of the sampled plants and
animals was necessary during the study. This include
identification of the collected sample plants as
well as their identification in the field. I wish to
sincerely thank all those who assisted me during the
identification of the organisms. To this I am very
much indebted to members of staff of East African
Herbarium and Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, (WCK). In
particular my gratitude goes to Mr. Nathaniel
Kiprugut Chumo, Director (WCK) , Mr. Joseph Cheruiyot
(vi)
Rugut of WCK, Mr. Mungai of East African Herbarium,
and Mr. Ndegwa of the East African Herbarium. Their
cooperation was very much appreciated.
With the amount of data needed from the field,
the task would not have be effectively done by an
individual. It is for this reason that Research
Assistants were involved. To my three Assistants,
namely, Mr. Simon Murgor, Mr. David Twolyongut, and
Mr. Stanley Kerich, I say thank you. Because of
their commitment, it was possible to gather sufficient
and relevant data within the set time. Their help was
indeed indispensable.
Thanks to all those who assisted in one way or
another during the study period, especially the
interviewees, government officials etc. Their
contributions have made the study a success.
Much thanks goes to the entire members of my
family: My wife Grace, and children, Winny, Clara,
Peris, and Manasseh, for their patience and cooperation
during the study period. The prolonged absence from
i
home during the period made it impo~sible for me to
give them the necessary attention and company. I
thank them for their patience and understanding.
(vii)
Last but not least, my sincere thanks goes to
Miss Florence Muthoni Gichohi of Centre for Environmental
Education, Kenyatta University, for carefully typing
out the findings of the study. The trouble of
transcribing the handwritten information and presenting
it in a professional and legible manner was all
shouldered by her. The patience she showed and
her readiness to work even where time was limited,
gave an added impetus to complete the project.
(viii)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC PAGE
DECLARATION ...................•........ (ii)
DEDICATION............................. (iii)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (iv)
LIST OF TABLES (xiii)
LIST OF FIGURES (xvii)
LIST OF PLATES (xviii)
LIST OF MAPS (xix)
ABSTRACT (xx)
CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM AND FOCUS OF
THE STUDY
Introduction 1
Statement of the Problem 3
Purpose of the Study...................... 4
Ojectives of the Study.................... 5
Basic Information about Kericho District:
Size and Position 6
Topography and Drainage 7
Rainfall 9
Temperature 12
Geology and Soils 14
Ecological Zones ]4
Administrative Organizati0n of~
the District 18
Population ...'.......................... 201
(ix)
Definition of Terms Used. 25
Significance of the Study................. 30
Assumptions Made 31
Limitations of the Data Collected 33
List of abbreviations 35
Reference s ".... 36
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction 38
Deforestation 38
Decimation of Plant and Animal Species.... 52
References 61
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH DESIGN
Introduction 64
Research Sample, Selection criteria
and Sample Description " 64
Research Intruments 69
Method and Procedure for the
Administration of the Research
..
Instruments "........ 72
Data Analysis 75
Summary of the Design 77
References 78
(x)
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS OF THE STUDY
Introduction 80
Magnitude of Deforestation of the Past
Twenty years as compared to the Present... 81
Relative Abundance of Certain named
Plants and Animals 92
Cultural Traditions and Perception of
Environmental Conservation 117
Environmental Awareness and Mode
(with rate) of Information Dissemination ... 127
Summary Information about Analysis
made 134
References 135
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction 137
Summary of the Study 137
Conclusions Based on the Stated
Oh-jectives:
(i) Magnitude of deforestation of the
Past twenty years (or more) as
compared to the present.... ..... 151
(xi)
Summary Conclusions on
deforestation within the
District. ....................... 156
(ii) Relative Abundance of Certain
named Plants and Animals ~ 157
Summary Conclusions on the
Relative Abundance of Plants
and Animals 163
(iii) Cultural Traditions and
Perception of Environmental
Conservation 165
(iv) Environmental Awareness and
Mode (with Rate) of
Information Dissemination 169
Summary findings on the Stated Objectives... 175
Implications and Recommendations............ 175
Suggestion for Further Research 183
References 186
189Bibliography
APPENDICES
APPENDIX
(i) Observation Record Sheet . 195
(ii) An Assessment Questionnaire . 198
(iii) Plants Sampled for the Study . 206
(iv) Animals Sampled for the Study .
r:
208
(xii)
(v) Names and Code Numbers of the
Stations Sampled in the Wetter
Higher Zone of Kericho District 209
(vi) Names and Code Numbers of Stations
Sampled in the Drier Lower Zone of
Kericho District 211
(vii) Letters of Correspondence:
Research Authorization, Office
of the President 212
Research Permit 213
Research Authorization letter
from District Commissioner
Kericho District .................•. 214
(xiii)
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE TITLE PAGE
1 Rainfall figures for various
stations within Kericho District 11
2 Temperature Data of some stations
in Kericho District 13
3 Ecological Zones of Kericho . 17
4 Administrative set up in the District .. 20
5 Population Per Location and Division
(1979 Census) 22
6 Population by Administrative Divisions
for selected years from 1979 to 1989... 23
7 Population Age Structure 25
8 Causes of deforestation 40
9 Costs of Fuelwood of various
countries in different years 41
10 Rate of deforestation and
afforestation 42
11 Frequency and Percentage of Respondents
giving various VLews regarding Past and
Present Magnitude of Deforestation in
Kericho District. 83
12 Opinion Scores of the Various
Categories of Responses on Deforestation
for the Past' and Present and Their
Respective percentages 86
(xiv)
TABLE TITLE PAGE
13 Categories of Responses Received
Regarding the existence and Disappearance
of Forests from the Study Areas 88
14. Percentage of Responses Received on
Extents of Deforestation~within Kericho.. 91
15. Percentage of Various Categories of
Responses for Different Plants and
Animals at Different Periods of time
in Wetter Higher Zone .•................. 95
16. Percentage of Various Categories of
Responses for Different Plants at
Different Periods of time in Drier
Lower Zone.............................. 96
18. Percentage of Various Categories of
Responses for Different Animals
at Different Periods of time
in the Drier Lower Zone 98
19. Frequetlcy and Percentage of Stations
Within which the Various Plants were
found in the Wetter Higher Zone 101
20. Frequency and Percentage of Stations
(
Within which the Various Plants were
found in the Drier Lower Zone 102
(xv)
TABLE TITLE PAGE
21 Frequency and Percentage of Stations
Within which the Various Animals were
•found in the Wetter Higher Zohe 103
22 Frequency and Percentage of Stations
Within which the Various Animals were
found in the Drier Lower Zone 104
23 Magnitude and Direction of Change in the
Percentage of Stations where the Plants
were reported in the Wetter Higher Zone 107
24. Magnitude and Direction of Change in the
Percentage of Stations where the Animals
were reported in the Wetter Higher Zone ... 108
25. Magnitude and Direction of Change in the
Percentage of Stations where the Plants
were reported in the Drier Lower Zone ....... 109
26. Magnitude and Direction of Change in the
Percentage of Stations where the Animals
were reported in the Drier Lower Zone ...... 110
27. Actual Counted Plants for the Wetter
Higher Zone of Kericho District and
their Frequency ............................ 114
28. Actual Counted Plants for the Drier
Lower Zone of Kericho District
and their Frequency ~ 116
(xvi)
TABLE TITLE PAGE
29 Percentage of Interviewees with
various Responses About People's
Traditional Attachment to Plants
and Animals 119
30 Sample Plants of Traditional Use to
the People of Kericho . 122
31 Sample Animals of Traditional Use
to the People of Kericho . 123
32 Plants that were Traditionally
Prohibited from Careless
Destruction 124
33 Animals that were Traditionally
Prohibited from Careless
Destruction 125
J
34 Percentage Values for the Various
Categories of Responses regarding
Prohibition of Careless Destruction
of Plants and Animals 126
35 Levels of Information Dissemination
in Kericho District for the Present
and Past (over twenty years ago)..... 130
36 Methods and Sources of Receiving
Information in Kericho District. 133
(xvii)
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE TITLE PAGE
1 Illustration of placement
of Grid lines, Zone
boundary and Selection of
study areas from a traced
map 66
PLATE
1
2
3
4b
(xviii)
LIST OF PLATES
TITLE/DESCRIPTION PAGE
The Animals considered in the
Study 70
Some of the sampled plants . 71
Plants of traditional value to
the People of Kericho 170
Plants that needs urgent
protection because of over
exploitation.. 171
Deforestated landscapes depicting
major causes of deforestation 171
MAP
1
2
3
4
5
(xix)
LIST OF MAPS
TITLE PAGE
Location of Kericho Distr1ct . 8(
Physiography and Drainage of
Kericho . 10
16Soils .
Agro-Ecological Zones of
Ker icho . 19
Kericho District Administrative
Boundaries 21
(xx)
ABSTRACT
Deforestation and Decimation of Biota in
Kericho District, Kenya.
Deforestation and decimation of biota have been
recognized as some of the most pressing world problems
of the recent times. Today certain plants and
animals are faced with a threat of extinction due
to increased deforestation and decimation of biota
within the natural environment. This study focuses
on deforestation and decimation of plants and animals
and sought answers to the following questions:
a) Is the amount of land under natural forests in
Kericho District the same extent now as it was
twenty (or more) years*ago?
b) What kind of faunal and floral changes have
taken place within Kericho District since the
last twenty (or over) years* ago?
c) Is the productivity of soil the same now as
it was twenty (or over) years*ago? and if not
why?
d) Is there any plant or animal whose existence in the
District is endangered outside the protected areas?
e) What are the major causes of increased rate of
deforestation and decimation of species within
the District?
* Refers to twenty or over years from 1988.
(xxi)
The study was carried out in Kericho District
of Kenya, East Africa using fifty (50) randomly selected
nodal or study points. The selected study points were
scattered throughout the District. From each study
points ten (10) interviewees were selected. Consequently
the total number of people interviewed were five hundred
(500). When all the fifty nodal points are considered.
The District was divided into two ecological zones and
for each of the zones thirteen (13) plants and thirteen
(13) animals were sampled for the study. The information
required from the respondents was that which helped:in the
attainment of the objectives stated. Specifically, four
broad areas were dealt with by the stated objectlves_
and these are:-
a) Maguitude of deforestation of the past twenty (or over)
years ago as compared with the present.
b) Relative abundance of named plants and animals.
c) Cultural traditions and perception of environmental
conservation.
d) Environmental awareness and mode/rate of
Ln f orrua t i.o n dissemination.
The data required were collected through the use
of a questionnare and an observation record sheet. Field
observations were done by the researcher using the
(xxiii)
Majority of the data collected were in form
of stated opinions checked off in the provided
Likert Scale within the questionnaire. To ease
analysis and interpretation of data, responses
were categorized depending on their
position within the provided Likert Scale. For all
the responses received in form of a Likert Scale,
oategorization was done accordingly. Classification
,of the opinions expres~ed made it easy
to distinguish between the extreme opinions e.g.
"Low" and High". However, "decision" level
was set for all responses given in form of a
Likert Scale. In judging the provided responses
the set "decision" level was "mcde rate v • Any
response 'that was either high, or very high was
categorized -high" while responses given as Very low,
low, or moderate we re categorized "low". From the
recorded opinions, frequency of responses falling
into anyone cRtegory (i.e. low or high), wa~'
determined using the set criteria mentioned above.
As a basis for conclusion, means, percpntages
and absolute counts were determined for the various
(xxiv)
categories of responses received. The other set
of data collected was that obtained from field
observation and these include actual counts of
plants within their natural environment and self
assessment of the extent of deforestation within the
study areas. Data derived from actual field observation
were intended to confirm the information given by the
respondents regarding deforestation and decimation
of biota. From the assembled data relevant calculations
were done depending on the parameters involved in the
objective under consideration. Basically, averages, perceIDrtLages
and frequencies were computed and these sufficed for
to conclude on set objectives. It was from the computed
values that conclusions were made concerning the stated
objectives.
The research findings indicate that:
a) Deforestation in Kericho District is currently
higher than it was in the past** accordingto peoples views.
(see table 11 p.83).
b) Majority of the forests within Kericho District
have reduced in size by people's opi~ions.
(see table 12 p.86).
c) Due to habitat destruction iQ form of deforestation)
animals have greatly reduced in number everywhere
within the District.
(xxv)
d) Within Kericho District, there has been a great
reduction in both plants' abundance and their
species diversity.
e) Cultural traditions and environmental perception
of the people of Kericho District are supportive of
conservation measures of plants and animals.
f) Of the sampled plants Juniperus procera was found
to be the least frequent outside the gazetted area
and needed protection from wanton destruction.
g) Acacia lahai, although still abundant within the
District, was found to have experienced the
greatest reduction and hence its exploitation
needs a check.
h) Whereas people of Kericho District are now more
exposed to Environmental Education than in the
past twenty (or over) years ago, the available
channels for communicating information to them
are still underutilized.
* - Currently refers to 1988
** - Past refers· to the period before and including 1968.
Since deforestation and decimation of biota is
widespread within thp District, the following
recommendations were seen pertinent:
(xxvi)
a) Nature reserves should be established within the
District so as to act as biological standards to
the disturbed environments. Such 'nature reserves'
would act as useful reservoirs for both plants and
animals.
b) A District Environmental Group composed of
professionals (e.g. doctors, lawyers, teachers,
foresters, agriculturalists etc) , Non-governmental
Organizations (NGOs), and ordinary citizens should
be formed within the District so as to help ln
identifying environmental problems within the
District and suggest possible solutions to them.
c) Conservation plans must consider traditional values
of the people as well as their perception of the
entire environment if ever they are to get
successfully implemented.
d) Environmental education must be introduced and
stressed at all levels of formal teaching i.e. primary'
secondary and University teaching as well as in
adult literacy classes so as to enhance awareness
among the people.
e) Provision of centrally prepared films and tapes
related to environmental issues is necessary so as
(xxvii)
to reduce lack of awareness.
f) Because of rampant deforestation and decimation
of plants and animals heavy penalties should
be administered to those who take part in the
destruction and by the same token, those
engaging in proper management of environment
should be rewarded.
CHAPTER 1
BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM AND FOCUS OF THE STUDY
Introduction
At a time when the world's natural resources are
getting nearly exhausted, when most countries are becoming
more and more technologically advanced, and above all when
the world's human population is placing unsurmountable
stress on the remaining resources, the nations of the
world have come to realize that we are entering a phase
of environmental crisis. Such a crisis among others
manifests itself in the form of heavy pollution of the
environment, the extent and rate of removal of natural
forests, the rate of soil erosion and degradation, the
expansion of the existing deserts, and finally the
complete elimination of certain plant and animal species
from the face of the earth. In the Third world countries
the state of their economy has dictated excessive use of
the resources. Because of this and sheer lack of awareness,erosion
desertification, deforestation, and decimation of species
(e.g. white Rhino in Kenya) have become real pressing
problems. On the other hand, the developed countries
have resorted to industrialization and excessive use of·
modern technology (e.g. heavy industrialization in the
Ruhr region of West Germany and mechanization of farming
in the Canadian Prairies). Their most pressing problem
therefore is that of pollution caused by industrial wastes
- the consequence of modern technology.
2Realizing that the natural resources of the world are
finite, and that no single country can satisfactorily solve
an environmental problem without the co-operation of the
other countries, organizations have been formed that are
helpful in solving such problems. United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) affords a good example of the
said organizations. Already UNEP has put forward her
stand regarding the world's soil policy in an attempt to
alleviate the environmental crisis earlier mentioned. The
policy states that:
•.
In recognition of the fact £hat soil is
a finite resource and that continuously
increasing demands are being placed on
this resource to feed, clothe, house
and provide energy for a growing world
population and provide a worldwide
ecological balance, the Governments of
the Nations of the World agree to use
their soils on the basis of sound
principles of resource management to
enhance soil productivity, to prevent
soil erosion and degradation and to
reduce good farmland to non-farm
purposes (Kassas, M., 1984: 12 - 13)
In the light of the above statement, it becomes quite
clear why Governments of the Nations of the World must
regularly carry out thorough assessments of their
respective states of environments. Assessments of
that kind would assist in advising citizens on matters
relating to conservation of their respective environments.
Depending on the nature of the environment, studies have
been done in various countries of the world on specific
3environmental issues e.g. atmospheric and water pollution,
causes of soil erosion, effects of chemicals upon the
environment etc. Such studies have been carried out by
their respective governments, UNESCO, Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) like the National Christian Council
of Kenya (NCCK) and in some cases individual personalities
or institutions. The foregoing introductory note defines
the area where my study is hinged upon. Before a review
is made of the related literature, it would be necessary..
to put forth the problew under investigation, explain the
purpose of the study, give the basic background
information of the study area (Kericho District), define
the major terms used, and finally state the hypotheses
that were to be tested and significance of the study.
Statement of the Problem
Soil erosion, deforestation, desertification and
decimation of plant and animal species have all been
recognized worldwide as being the most common agents of
environmental imbalance. Realizing the magnitude of each
of these environmental problems, the researcher proposed to
study deforestation and decimation of plant and animal
species. The study sought to answer questions such as
"Is the amount of land under natural forests in Kericho
District the same extent as it was twenty (or more) year~
ago?", "What kind of faunal and floral changes have
taken place since the last twenty (or over) yearS' ago?",
"Is the productivity of soil the same as it ~as twenty
(or over) years*ago?", and if not why?", Is there any
* twenty years from 1988.
4~
plant or animal whose existence in the district is
endangered?" These questions define the area in which
the problem under investigation lies. The problem
was conceived due to the researcher's own observation
of heavily eroded landscapes within the District, heavy
deforestation in some parts of Mau Forest of Kenya and
excessive demand of the Red Cedar either for building
or fencing both within the District and throughout
the country. Such an acute demand for a specific plant
for example could push it into the list of endangered
species if not into that of total extinction. Kericho
District was chosen as a microcosm of a wider environment
and was studied at a greater detail. The study, as
expected, yielded useful information for advising the
inhabitants of the world on how to conserve the ever
dwindling resources and enlighten them on the need to
maintain ecological balance around them.
Purpose of the Study
The study was conducted so as to assess the state of
the environment in Kericho-District of Kenya as far as
deforestation and decimation of plant and animal species
are concerned. Specifically, the study was intended to:
1. determine the extent of deforestation in
Kericho District.
2. identify the major reasons for deforestation in
the District.
- 5 -
3. identify the conservation measures taken to
safeguard the forests in the District.
4. identify those floral and faunal species that
are endangered within the District.
5. identify major causes of elimination of plant
and animal species within the District.
6. identify (if any) attitudes and perceptions of
the people of the District that would reinforce
or go against the conventional conservation
measures for soil, natural forests and endandered
plant and animal species.
7. determine the state of environmental awareness of
the people'of Kericho District.
Objectives of the Study
The broad objectives of the study were categorized
into four major areas and these were as follows:
1. To study the magnitude of deforestation of both
the past* and present** in Kericho District.
2. To investigate the change in relative abundance
of certain named** plants and animals in
Kericho District.
- 6 - ~
3. To study the cultural traditions of the people
of Kericho District with respect to conservation
of certain plants and animals.
4. To study the exposure of Environmental Education
of both the past* and present** among the people
of Kericho District.
* Past refers to the period before and
including 1968
** Present refers to 1988.
*** Names of the selected plants for anyone
location in the District are shown in the
tables of results included in chapter four
of this study.
Basic Information About Kericho District Size and Position
Size and Position
Kericho District is one of the thirteen districts
of Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It takes up 27
percent of the total area of the province. The area
of the District is 4890 kro2while that of the province
is 173,868 km2. Kericho lies between longitude 320
02' and 350 40' East and also between the equator
and Latitude 10 03' South. (Kericho District
Development Plan 1984/88:1).
7Topography and Drainage
The major part of Kericho District exhibits
undulating to rolling topography that gives way to
flatter terrain in the south. The overall slope
of the land is toward the west consequently
drainage is also in that direction, at least in the
eastern part cutting deep valleys (except in the
southern part). The major rivers that flow through
the district are from the south, Amalo, Nyongores,
Kipsonoi, Itare, Kiptiget, Marmar, Timbilil, and
Malaget across the north. As will be seen in the
accompanying map (see Map No. 2), some of them join
up as they approach the west to form larger rivers.
Significant to note is that rivers are evenly spread
within the District and hence the inhabitants have
easy access to water. The District lies along the
south western edge of Kenya Highlands forming a hilly
shelf between the Mau Escarpment and the lowlands of
Nyanza. Whereas local altitude variation exists, the
average altitude for the District is above 2000m. This
explains why most of fue District enjoys a cool climate
throughout the year. The variation already mentioned
is found in isolated places of the District. In Tindiret
and South-Western Mau Forests the altitude goes over
2700m. Lower altitudes are found in Southern Bomet area
(1800m) and the Western part of the District bordering
Kisumu District (1500m).
8'I. , I'
KERICHO
LCXl\TIONOF THE DISTiller'
1
I( IT IJ I
~/E~~ _ • - c vO
I 00
/"\ '
'.,,
/
SOURCE: Kericho District Development
Plan, 1984/88 p. 1.
9Climate
Rainfall
The mean annual rainfall varies from 1800mm to 2200mrn
around Kericho town and the whole forest area from 1400mrn
to 1800mrn. The whole of Buret Division, Northern part of
Bomet Division bordering Buret, the north western part
of the District bordering Nandi District, eastern part of
the District bordering Nakuru and a small portion of
Bomet Division bordering Kisii District have ample
rainfall. The driest parts of the District are found at
the southern parts of Bomet Division bordering Narok
District. Here the rainfall is below 1000mm per year.
For the District, the rainfall regime is bimodal in
nature meaning there are two rainfall maxima, one around
April/May and the other around August/September. On
the average, the wettest months are April and May and
the driest months are January and February. Rainfall
however falls throughout the year for most parts of the
District. For actual rainfall values see the table below
(Table 1). Notice only selected few stations are included
in the table.
lO -
.•M.(\P2:
~Zli'
'1'1"1
",...;
.' .,
'rilE PHYSIOGRAPI!Y AND DltAINAGE OF KERICIIO
---_._--- _ ---- ._--
N
i
o IOkm
b",--===..J
'-"'-,\--,
( ,
I , .- " .;',
, ~~r
~/~--------------I....,'-----------
"'-'.,..-----
...•.••.....------
"<. ---
Lowlands 1520 II
.1
Plains i216
-l
-l
--- •TABLE 1 RAINFALL FIGURES FROM VARIOUS STATIONS
HAVINC;AT LEAST 10 YrJIF'S OF HECOPD uPI'O 1976*
- -
Name of Station Altitude Years of Kind of Annua I Monthly Rainfall in mminm Record Record Rainfall Jan. Feb. Bar. Apr. t-1ay June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.rrnn
Jamji Tea Estate 1829 53 1643 I 77 91 160 245 224 1351113Average 139 121 111 119 106
60% r'el. 1472 46 56 130 219 182 122 96 119 90 81 71 78
Iondiani Forest 2317 68 Average 1182 36 44 79 161 150 134 148 172 96 58 62 54
60% 1060 9 22 35 132 130 107 135 149 84 42 33 28
Kericho District 1981 71 Average 1880 70 89 157 275 265 160 185 185 155 133 132 98
Office 60% 1689 44 58 125 235 248 143 130 165 135 113 80 83
Fort Ternan, 1768 44 Average 1275 46 66 113 186 ! 166 123 132 142 94 64 74 70
Station 60% 1139 31 31 78 166 157 105 107 120 74 56 39 48
Sotik Monieri 1824 60 Average 1377 73 108 138 190 144 117 92 133 110 84 102 88
60% 1215 53 71 118 161 119 99 68 98 89 71 74 51
Nginimini Estate 1615 44 Average 1520 63 96 154 233 214 143 148 134 87 78 77 94
(Koru) I 60% 1356 34 60 112 196
177 .121 126 116 64 68 43 54
Lumbwa Station 1931 62 Average 1143 37 64 93 172 155 120 125 133 90 59 52 43
(Kipkelion) 60% 1024 9 27 51 120 137 106 101 111 74 36 23 31
Litein Mission 2134 35 Average 1525 84 98 149 235 203 87 79 122 91 121 141 113
60%" 1369 SS 59 129 208 170 63 I 36 88 71 102 87 66
Tenwek Mission 1986 35 Av. 1383 77 87 140 262 169 85 66 69 83 85 127 115
60% 1238 37 53 121 225 132 72 56 62 75 83 94 104
Sorget Forest 2370 25 Average 1255 27 56 71 139 150 105 178 228 103 58 89 52
Station 60% 1127 4 13 53 97 139 81 149 169 68 36 56 30
Bomet; Division r , 1920 17 Av. 1266 90 92 160 239 148 77 46 63 58 69 120 103
Office
Malagat Forest 2100 10 Av. 1312 67 115 104 147 1441 125 170 209 84 53 61 38
Station
Kericho, Ngoina 1980 10 Av. 1515 80 129 138 225 161 126 132 147 93 76 123 85
Estate
74 I 97 IKaboson 1096 14 Av. 1015 109 156 93 58 40 74 45 50 98 121
* Jaetzold, R. and Schmidt, H., Farm Management Handbook of Kenya Vol. 11. Natural Conditions and Farm r.1anagement
InfornBtion Part B CENTRAL KENYA (Rift Valley and Central Provinces) Ministry of Agriculture
1'983,pp. 66 - 67.
1 2
Temperature:
Because of the local changes in altitude ot
Kericho District together with other factors like
nearness to the equator, aspect or direction of slope,
source and direction of wind and cloud cover, temperature
varies trom 20°C within the highlands to over 28°C along
the border with Kisumu District. The
higher one goes the cooler it becomes. In general,
most of the lowlands of Southern Bomet, Chepalungu and
Koru experience higher temperatures than the higher areas
around Kericho and Mau Forest. This variation in
temperature causes varied vcgetatio~ cover across the
District. It should be noted that because of nearness to
the equator, temperature range of anyone place is never
too high. In the table below (table 2), temperature
values of certain stations within the District are
given. For these stations, the parameters recorded are:
mean maximum temper&ture, mean temperature, mean
minimum temperature, and absolute minimum temperature.
For all the parameters values have been given for each
r.ionth of the year, From the data given the coldest
period is around July and that temperature largely falls
with altitude.
Name of the
Station
Altitude
inM
Kind of
Records Jan. Feb.
T e ill per a t u reI n QC
Mar. April Llilay June July Aug. Sep. oct , Nov.
,--{ears I
! of I
Dec. Year' Recordi
ILondiani
Forest
Station
Equator
tvlet.
Station
Kericho Tea
J;.esearch
Institute
Ma...~uta..'10
Forest
Station
Kericho
Chakaik
Estate
Kericho
Timbilil
2317
2765
2071
2379
2071
2133
Mean Max.
Mean Temp.
Mean min.
Absolute Min.
Mean Max
MeaI1 temp.
Mean min.
Absolute min.
Mean max,
Hea.rt Ternp,
Mean min. I
Absolute min.
Mean max.
Mean Temp. I
Mea.Dmin.
Absolute min.
Mean max
Mean Temp.
Mean min.
Absosute Min.
Mean Max.
Mean Temp
Mean min.
Absolute min.
20.0 I
15.5
7.9
2.2
19.7
13.7
7.7
3.5
23.9
16.8
9.7
0.6
21.6
14.4
6.8
0.0
24.0
15.9
7.7
2.2
I23.1
15.8
8.5
3.9
20.6
15.0
8.3
5.3
24.2
17.2
10.2
4.4
22.5
15.0
7.5
1 • 1
23.9
16.8 1
9.6 I4.4
22.8
16.1
9.3
4.4
19.2
14.0
8.8
4.6
23.1
16.5
9.8
4.4
21. 1
15.9
8.7
1.1
22.4
15.8
9. 1
5.0
18.3
13.5
8.6
5.0
22.9
16.3
9.6
2.8
20.8
16.2
7.6
2.2
22.4
15.7
8.9
5.6
22.0
15.8
9.5
6.0
122.0
15.0
7.9
2.2
17.2
12.6
8.0
4.9
22.2
15.7
9.2
3.3
20.3
13.3
6.2
1.1
22.6
15.8
8.9
4.4
21.1
15.0
8.7
4.5
21.0
14.4
7.8
3.3
15.8
11.8
7.8
3.7
21.6
15.3
8.9
2.8
19.4
13. 1
6.7
1.1
21.7
15.2
8.6
4.4
21.0
14.4
7.7
2.2
16.1
11.4
7.7
3.9
22.1
15.5
8.9
-1.1
19.6
13.2
6.8
1.1
21.9
15.9
8.9
4.4
22.0
14.8
7.6
3.3
17.7
12.8
7.6
4.8
22.8
15.9
9.0
3.3
20.4
13.2
6.0
1.1
22.1
15.5
8.9
4.4
22.5
15.6
8.6
4.4
18.6
13.1
7.6
4.9
23.4
16.4
9.3
3.3
21.0
13.8
6.5
1 • 1
23.1
16.3
9.5
5.6
21.7
r5.3
8.9
4.2
21.6
15.1
8.5
3.9
18.1
13.0
7.9
4.4
22.9
16.3
9.6
3.9
20.4
14.5
8.5
1.1
22.5
16.2
9.8
5.6
21.5
15.1
9.6
5.6
21.8 1
1
22.3
15.1 15.3
8.4 8.3
3.3 2.2
18.3 18.4
13.0 13.2
7.7 8.0
4;5 3.5
23.4 23.1
17.2 16.4
10.9 I 9.6
1.7 -1.1
20.2 20.8
14.4 14.0
8.6 7.2
2.2 ! 0.0
22.5
16.5
10.5
4.4
22.7
16.0
9.3
4.4
22.4
15.7
9.0
4.4
24.3
16.4
8.5
2.5
20.6
14.3
7.9
4.6
24.4
17~.0
9.6
5.0
22.3
14.4
6.5
1.1
23.8
16.6
9.3
4.4
23.7
16.4
9.0
2.8
23.6
16.5
9.3
5.6
23.2
16.3
9.3
4.4
21.8
16.0
10.2
6.1
20.4
14.8
9. 1
5.5
20.6
14.8
8.9
5.6
22.3
15.5
8.7
5.0
22.1
15.6
9. 1
2.5
* Source: Jaetzold, R. and Schmidt, H. Farm Management Hanc11::x:xxlof Kenya Vol. 11: Natural Conditions and
Farm Management Inforrration Part B CENTRALKENYA(Rift Valley and Central
Provinces), Ministry of Agriculture, 1983, p. 67
31
30
22
19 I
16
14
1 4
Geology and Soils:
The Kericho Plateau and environs are covered by
phonolitic lava of tertiary age derived from volcanoes
and vents in the Mau region. The various waves of
volcanism are connected with the Great Rift Valley
Faulting. Most of the Distrittsoils are therefore deep
and fertile. The soil in the hig~land areas of Kericho
especially around Mau forest, Buret Division, Northern
Bomet and Belgut are well drained dark loam soil
suitable for tea growing. The Southern part of the
District bordering Narok, parts of Chepalungu and Koru
area however possess black clay soil that is not
suitable for tea growing but good tor sugar cane, cotton,
sorghum, rye, and maize at subsistence level. Based
on the nature of soils, altitude and climate, it has
been possible to subdivide the District into certain
ecological zones. The division into zones is based on
productivity rather than administrative boundaries
already in existence. Map 3 indicates the distribution
of soil type within the District.
Ecological Zones
In terms of Agricultural potentiality, Kericho
District ranks highly as one of the highest potential
agricultural districts in the Rift Valley Province and
the entire Republic. Of the estimated total land area
15
of 4890 Km2, 4450 Km2 is cultivable, a figure that
amounts to 91 per cent of the total land area. The
ecological zones of the district are as follows:
1. High Potential Zone: This occupies approximately
53.2 per cent of the District area and is well
suited for agriculture and forestry. It covers
most of the Northern parts of the District
(Kipkelion Division) where the soils are of clay
texture ane the Central section (Belgut, Buret,
and parts of Bomet bordering Buret) where the soil
changes into dark loam. The North is suitable for
growing wheat pyrethrum and maize and dairy
farming, while the Central section is mainly tea
zone beside growing pyrethrum and maize and keeping
dairy cattle (see Map 4) .
2. Medium Potential Zone: This covers 26.6 per cent
of the total District area and is found in the
north western parts of Kipkelion Division covering
the rocky highlands below the Tindiret forest and
bordering Kisumu District at Fort Ternan and
Songhor~ Here the land is suited for coffee and
maize growing and for both beef and dairy farming.
Toward the south, the medium potential zone stretches
along the western section of Belgut Division bordering
both Kisumu and Kisii Districts. This zone also
J~ III f
KERICHO
.'111
I',' I
SOl LS
o
moderate to le."
F:::1~
r-:-:l
~
~
tow
SERIOUS LIMIT A TION S
(see descripnons)
Sleep Slopl"s,lJnsu,!,'Dh~ tor cull •.•.ar.oo.
nOI m;.r •...ec ,n Nal PkS, For rlc:. ana
fdllcn,nlJ .uv as I see AEl nl.tp I
Shallow sod
10
F("'n M Bucn
watertoqqmq
SOURCE: Jaetzold, E. and Schmi.dt., Farni Management Handbook of Kenya
Vol. II. Natural Conditions anc. Fanl Y1anagcment.
Irrforrnat.Lon Part 8. CENTRAL KE'l'-;YA (Rift Valley and
Central Provinces) .'v1inistry of Aqricul turc ,1983.
17
includes Northern and Central parts of Bomet Division
where both beef and dairy farming is practised and
maize, potatoes and some pyrethrum are also grown.
3. Low Marginal Zone: It occupies only 0.6 per cent
of the total Disctrict land area and is found in the
lower parts of Bomet along the Narok District border.
The zone consists mainly of black cotton soil and
is suitable for cotton growing and keeping of
Zebu cattle. Maize is grown here but mainly for
subsistence purposes. Below is a table that indicates
the extent and percentage of various ecological zones
discussed.
TABLE 3
ECOLOGICAL ZONES WITHIN THE DISTRICT*
SERIALNO.
2
3
4
ECOLCX;ICALZONE AREA IN SQ. KlVl % OF THE TOTAL AREA
High Potential 2603 53.2%
Mediun1Potential 1301 26.6%
Low Potential 27 0.6%
GazettedForest 959 19.6%
*Source: Kericho District Development Plan 1984/88
Ministry of Finance and Planning, 1983, p. 2.
Vegetation cover of the various zones of the District
tend to reflect the amount of rainfall, altitude and gradient
of the land. The wetter higher areas around Kericho town
and Mau Forest are largely occupied by profuse forests while
18
the flatter areas of Chepalangu, Bomet and some parts
of Belgut bordering Kisumu District are largely occupied
by more stunted vegetation with plants that are suitable
for drier conditions. The approximate location of the
various ecological zones are indicated in Map 4.
Administrative Organization of the District
The District has its headquarters in Kericho Town.
According to 1983 report, the District was divided into
five administration divisions namely, Londiani, Kipkelion,
Belgut, Buret and Sot divisions. Currently however, Buret
and Sot divisions have been further subdivided so that at
present what used to be Buret is Konoin and Buret divisions
and what used to be Sot is now Bomet and Chepalungu
divisions. For the purpose of our discussions it should be
noted that recorded information was based on 1984/88
development plan which did not have the latest
adminstrative divisions of the District.
The various divisions are further divided into
locations and sublocations. According to the report
the following information was summarized regarding
Kericho District administrave set up.
(
.""'-"'.................. --.
I' ,-'.
':/'. ", '~-. '-.....'.,' ... ,\', .r-:'."r" ,. \"'-.J :'.
\.' I', • .' , . I' ". ~, • J • •.•
'\'" ~ ':'/' ~:~ . .'::.:., " ~
• f' ,.'.
r»: . 'i ." .' '. (
. _:- '\~. ':', _ . ...-: \)co~,.. ~' .' ". /
'-:." ••.• ,6.•-: =>: t-. ,/ -. •
\
. I H ••' •...•>e':l _....- •• ,'. ,.... S"',-- - ,»{u(1\ (
• r "If f' .,1''#-,'. <, - - ~"O\IC\ I .'/s:">. ..... 'l-:t\(:ot,'" _) .~. __ •
Iso,)')· .' ". . '-. "' .... -;- ---.. / - -, ···:· ..•1
.' • ' .'-., . - -. u ', •••• -- •..•,'. ' •
•-'0\'/' • • \ ·.WI'IEO.t.,t·A~lzc,_o, < s _) .: ':' :.•.. ,
( ~"/.' ''''' 'U',I . .•.. -- .• ~.... (. cr , ',- ,,' 0" »> "'U~ "
)
_~CLM • c-:::..-<= -;....-..:L H .,: . '.NrtNt ,.'
o -, J • .• ••••• '.. • •.• <. .•..•.•...•. ~' .'"':t •.
) ,/
'.' Coffee. ". ..' /.- _ TT-" __ . fJo.re •.IHL;"/
- •••••••. - -- • ~ ~ i 1..J I. <>. .' »:: ' 'f\.' ...// .... / /.\..:-' !'. ,J ~
./"'.', I: / /'" Jr- / .. ' . ./ / : /::; .~.=:\ --B-e-I t-~-o-f-?-o-'I-~by t erno
( ('r---- // -: /-~:-\ ' .---- l
, I \ /, .. ~ /. :::, \.. . Up~:?r highland zoo..UH!
,. \ Tea. /I;.!.: ..', \ Lo-ver 11 " •. L~l
\ \ '. / / :,',: < ~ :'. ,\' '\ Upr.er rrud dro nd .. U\,j
y LH .. f",' , " ,
'; \ UM __ /: /: .... ',: •. ; .,'.:,. J( \.~\ Lower " .. LMI·
~--- \ • I' ~;o t I , ;' .• );c:.--'- ,Coffce \~. \'::'.".:;'.'.-, I:' , ... "', "-:,\ I
• \ • ,,-, -. 1 ' • .v- , IjH . / " • I• --- I EO I , " • \, .,
/ . .....----<..~ ::. ~. , .' ., " ,.' /' \. .' ... .: \' • ,-" ; . , I".
• ,/. /" .• , ,. I
\. I H I '----.J v.. '.' .' .I,. 0 \. I
(' I \: I, \ . ,'. ,', .;' , " • I
~ \ \".' .\. ':1 I I ' -: , \.. \' \ '., . '. , "\ I \I ,. I. • I • '. ~ lIo I
{ I' " '.' ..-,-
... , " I I • I• '\ Dairy r. ::.. .--
I . \ . -'
~,: \: ~--\'-' I
,~. /' I
•...': .\...<, /// \ 0,= , ..~O r.~ 1
\: ••'- . - _....... I
\ '.<. --, \.
r.~clze - PYI'Ptl"!"t;[;-" --- "'-
\ .- ..----- --- ''-.\ r>. <; <, <, --- - ~
/ ••../ • <, <; /'
Wheot,ll.aize '- r::/ <, /
v -: . Garly <, ( ! For es t reserve ..
. L rl <,~ -' •••.. ~p'" .
.: : ~',';'."~••' /""1, <r 1 z
••••....• _ "0,1" <<> / .J i ones;--.
. ~. , ..'/:'.".:., /' .r
•.• r-, ••.. -, / Eca!ogica! ....•••••',,,.' ..... .,., {
">; <: ~./ UM '" ". AqricLJilural 0 •• __
, .~ ar" oundor ic sv-
·,.Sunflower, Maize ..--,,_ r- ~ Study or eo ...• _._'
/' "'-,-' Divisional ..... __ I<, ?-. J.~( ---J
N
j
I
-1,
!
I
I
I
I
I,
-r---------- ....
i
j
I
I
I
I
I
j
I
MAP 4: AGRO - ECOLOG!CA L ZONES OF KERICHO
SO(JRCE: Jaetzold, R. and Schmiclt, Farm Management Handbook of Kenya Vol. II
Natural Conditions and Fann Management Information Part B
CENTRALKENYA(Rift Valley and Central Provinces) Ministry
of- Agricultm-'e', 1983.
20
TABLE 4
ADMINISTRATIVE SET Uf IN THE DISTRIcr*
DIVISION HEADQUARTERS LOCATIONS
LONDIANI LONDIANI 2 2
KIPKELION KIPKELION 3 7
BELGUT SOIOT 6 23
BURET LITEIN 3 1 5
SOT (BOMET)
& CHEPALUNGU) BOMET 7 35
5 KERICHO TOWN 21 83
*SOURCE: Kericho District Development Plan 1984/88
Ministry of Finance and Planning 1983, P. 3
Note: (i) Buret has now been subdivided to Buret and
Konoin divisions (see Map 5)
(ii) Sot Division has been subdivided to Bomet
and Chepalungu Divisions.
Population:
The result of the census in 1979 showed 633,348 people
in Kericho District (see table 5). Of this figure 4.7
per cent lived in Kericho Township and 1.6 per cent in
trading centres. Consequently 93.7 per cent of the total
population depended on agriculture for living, strictly
speaking on 337,500 ha of agricultural land. This
represent the percentage of population living in rural
parts of the District.
KFJ{ICIIO DI(~TIUCT
I,·\',I,J 1,1',111/ 111',11(/1 I
I .IOU/I< I( II"W~.
:~en k: I II.() OflO
I<IPK[L.IUN ,~ ()NDIA~I
Jt' '-/'" .)
I
BE LGU T
"Af,""/i /.1'.1111' I
r r / - - J •••.- •• ~ 1-.
r ,
/ \", ,
\
\
. I
)
"I,',IJ I.Jln ',1
K I :; I I "', _i'"- __ f_-- ...
v'
Ir:
/..-{
I
I A.
/ "t,..' " ,,,,
\
\
\
IJ I r, T Pie r
,~-\
/ BOM[~T
[
\
~
I
I
I
I
I
I
..,r J.' f( lOt) Id:', '" 10'I 1~, •••• JI • .t. '" ,
,,, ,', .... 0..... 1\'''''' 1,.1."',
I o 111..', f ,,··.J"l·"'U I
SOURCE: Survey ot Kenya, Kericho District Ottice
22
KERICHO DISTRICT
TABLE 5
POPULATION PER LOCATION AND DIVISION
CENSUS 1979
Location/ Male Female Total Number of Square DensityDivision Households Kilometers Per Km2
Emkwen 21 198 22 155 43 353 6 694 255 169
Sigor 15 319 17 451 32 770 6 718 239 136
lDngisa 26 375 28 768 55 143 9 830 344 160
Ndanai 17 622 19 161 36 783 6 258 279 131
Kongasis 16 173 17 730 33 903 6 238 279 121
Sot Div. 96 687 105 265 201 952 35 738 1 398 144
Konoin 34 041 27 113 61 154 13 077 348 175
Techoget 29 208 28 642 57 850 10 586 245 235
Ki.syaara 22 277 21 895 44 171 7 839 221 199
Buret Div. 85 526 77 650 163 176 31 502 815 200
Waldai 44 002 39 001 83 003 16 275 372 223
Soin 11 707 11 847 23 554 5 609 387 60
Mo sop 23 908 20 301 44 209 10 553 213 207
Belgut Div. 96 032 84 337 180 369 39 886 1 040 173
Kipkelion 28 663 28 927 57 590 11 220 512 112
lDndiani 15 149 15 112 30 261 6 501 163 184
Kipkelion
Division 43 812 44 039 87 851 17 721 675 129
Kericho
District 322 057 311 291 633 348 124 847 3 931 161
Source: Jaetzoldt Ibid: KER: 21
POPULATION BY ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS FOR SELECTED YEARS
FROM 1979 TO 1989*
(Y)
N
ADMINSTRATIVE
DIVISION POPULATION DENSITY
(AREA SQ. KM)
1979 1984 1988 1979 1989 1984 1988 .1989
LONDIANI 30,261 37,538 43,605 . 45,280 185 230 268 296
(163)
KIPKELION
(512) 57,590 71,439 82,985 86,172 112 139 162 168
BELGUT
(1040) 180,369 223,744 259,906 269,886 173 215 250 260
I
-. .-----.-.
BURET
(815) .# 163,176 202,417 235,131 244,160 200 248 288 300
SOT
(1398) 201,952 250,517 291,006 302,181 144 179 208 216
TOTAL
11
3931 633,348 785,656 912,634 947,679 161 200 232 241
*SOURCE: CBS, Populations Projections For Kenya 1980 to 2000
24
The census indicated that there was only 0.56 ha
of land on the average available per person (Jaetzold
and Schmidt, 1983:21). On the whole population
distribution in the District tends to follow rainfall
patterns. Buret Division has the highest amount of
rainfall and has the highest population density of 200
persons per Km2 according to 1979 census. The table
above (Table 5) show the population distribution by
adminstrative Divisions projected from 1979 to 1989.
The figures indicate that whereas the average District
density value was 161 in 1979 the same was expected to
be 241 in 1989. The pattern would be observed for all
the Divisions of the District. The growth rate of
population of the District according to the census was
3.74 per cent per annum. Based on this growth rate it
would be possible to project populption of the District
as from 1979. This has been done to obtain the values
included in table 6 above.
Another important characteristic of Kericho
District population displayed by 1979 census is that there
was very high dependency rate of 52 per cent. The
population age structure for the District was as follows:
25
TABLE 7 Population Age Structure*
Age Group Number of Persons Percentage of
Total Population
0 - 15 yrs. 317,827 50.2%
15 - 64 yrs. 298,907 47.2%
> 65 yrs. 15,290 2.4%
*Source: Kericho Dist!_~~! Development Plan 1984/88
Ministry of Finance and Planning 1983, Pg. 4.
Having considered the basic information of Kericho
Distric~ terms related to the study will now be defined.
Definitionof Terms Used
While describing the study, certain terms have been
used. In this section definitions of the terms as
conceived by the researcher are given. Throughout the
discussion those definitions must be taken as operational
ones. The terms are:
1. Afforestation: This is conversion of a landscape
into a forest through planting of trees.
2. Agroforestry: Formation of forests in agricultural
land i.e. interplanting trees and food crops. This
is particularly common among the rural communities.
26
3. Biomass: This is the total mass of the living
matter as well as their derivatives. The plant
biomass includes all the standing plants as well
as the dead stems, leaves and roots in the soil.
4. Carrying capacity: Refers to the number of people
or animals that a given unit of land can support
on a sustained basis at a given level of input and
technology. It considers numbers of animals as well
as the state of the environment. Where the carrying
capacity is exceeded, the environment would be altered
or degraded. Use of improved fertilizers and
pesticides increases the carrying capacity of the
land.
5. Conservation: The definition adopted here is that
advanced by Gerardo Budowski during the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) General
Assembly at New Delhi in 1969. He defined
conservation as:-
Management of the resources of the
environment - air, water, soil,
minerals, and living species
including man - so as to achieve
the highest sustainable quality
of human life. (Budowski, 1976: 28)
In this context, management includes surveys,
research, legislation, administration, preservation
and implies suitable education and training.
27
6. Decimation: This is defined as destruction of
a species, (plant or animal) in large numbers.
The end product of decimation is extinction of
the affected species should the process continue
to its limit.
7. Deforestation: Clearance of trees or removal of
forests from a landscape may be referred to as
deforestation. This may be caused by actual cutting
of trees or in some cases overgrazing by herbivores.
8. Desertification: Generally speaking desertification
means shifting from normal conditions to desert
like conditions. Mabutt, however pointed out the
following about desertification:
Desert has no agreed scientific meaning
- certainly no strict climatic definition.
It carries at least three related
connotations namely lempty of life',
waterless, and unproductive. Consequently
desertification is the dimunition or
destruction of biological potential of
the land and can lead ultimately to
desert like conditions. (Mabutt, 1985:1)
An approximately same definition of desertification
was produced by Food and Agricultural Organizations
(FAO) for 1977 conference and this read as
follows:
Desertification is the intensification
or extension of desert condition and
is a process leading to reduced biological
productivity with convergent reduction
in the plant biomass, in the land's
carrying capacity for livestock, in crop
yields and human well being (FAO E'orestry
Paper in DesertificationControl BulletinNo 12
1985:1)
28
The two definitions above are adopted for this
study as being operational meaning of
desertification.
9. Dominance: This refers to the relative abandance
of certain species over a given area. A dominant
plant is that which occurs most frequently over
a given area.
10. Ecosystem: This is a biological unit in which there
is an association of plants and animals living
together with their physical environment sorrounding
them. These organisms are usually interrelated to
both their physical environment and to themselves.
Because of such interrelationships, an ecosystem or
ecological system is said to be formed.
11. Endemic Species: These are plants or animals found
in one specific location and no where else. Plants
or animals of this kind usually occupy highly
isolated habitats i.e. even where found elsewhere,
the distance between the habitats allows no
intermingling between similar species. They exist
in "Islands" so to speak.
12. Environment: This means sorrounding - be it of a
plant or animal. The environment is thought to be
composed of climate of a pI2ce/~topography, atmosphere,
soil, living and non-living things, water and all
- 30 -
describing the study. In this study a watershed is
taken to be synonymous with a catchment area.
Having given the operational definition of terms
used, it is now necessary to discuss the significance of
the study both to Kenya as a country and to the rest of
the world.
Significance of the Study
As it has already been mentioned under statement of
the problem, this study mainly dealt with two major
environmental problems - deforestation and decimation of
plant and animal species. Information about these problems
will not only benefit people in Kericho District of Kenya,
but will also be useful to the entire country and the wider
world. It is hoped that the knowledge gained about deforestatior
and animal and plant decimation within the District will serve
to change the attitudes of the inhabitants of the land toward
better and sound environmental conservation strategies. This
study, it is hoped, will reveal those plants and animals that
are at the verge of extinction and hence better means of
conserving them. Information about the degree and rate of
deforestation in the District will definitely be useful in
warning the rest of the world about the possible extermination
of existing forests in the near future. From the study it has
been possible to gain the necessary information particularly
regarding the causes effects and remedjes of deforestation where
it occurs. Whereas the study was restricted to Kericho District
the generalizations obtained will in no doubt be applicable to
Kenya and the wider world.
- 31 -
Assumptions made
While carrying out the study several assumptions
were made. These assumptions are useful in explaining
the nature of the research design, the methods through
which data were collected, the kind of hypotheses formulated,
the size and nature of the research sample and even the
interpretation of the collected data. The assumptions
made were as follows:
a) Observation in the field took a period of three
months. It was assumed, however, that the time
lapse between the first observation and the last
observation would not significantly affect the
results of the study. By this any marked variation
between the observations could only be attributed
to a much longer period of time.
b) The intervieweeswere elderly people of over 3C years drawn from
Kericho District. No attention was paid to the
kind of sex when issuing the questionnaires to the
respondents. Therefore it was assumed that sex
would not affect the results of the study.
c) To be able to effectively describe the nature of
the environment, Kericho District was divided into
two broad ecological zones. The two zones are wetter
higher zone and lower drier zone as indicated in
32
chapters three and four of this study Zonation
of the District was firstly based on actual
field visits and secondly upon the inspection of
the available climatic data some of which have
been included under background information of the
District. An important assumption made in connection
with this is that each of the two zones has the
same environmental conditions and hence more or
less the same vegetation cover and animals. This
was important when selecting the kind of plants and
animals to be included in the questionnaire. Whereas
local variations (e.g. vegetational changes caused
by altitude, nearness to river banks, rainshadow
effect etc) were recognized, it was assumed that no
significant difference existed in terms of vegetation
and animals within anyone of the two mentioned zones.
Consequently broader and more homogenous zones were
developed and used.
d) The study points, referred to in the study as nodal
points, were arrived at through random sampling.
These points were assumed to be representative of
their respective predetermined ~cological zones
mentioned in (c) above.
33
e) Finally, it was assumed that the respondents clearly
understood the questions asked and that their responses
are true reflection of their feelings about
deforestation in Kericho District.
Limitations of the Data Collected:
The data collected were not by any means free from
possible limitations. First the sampled points of
study may not necessarily be representative of the entire
District despite the fact that they were randomly selected.
An ideal situation would be to consider the entire
District bit by bit. This however would be both time
consuming and undesireable.
Secondly the subjects were not randomly chosen but
picked by the researcher after randomly choosing the area
of study. Thus one would argue that some bias was
incorporated into the study~ Morever, age factor was
difficult to decide just by mere sight unless the
subjects themselves reported. Unfortunately some people
were reluctant to say their actual age.
The quadrats established by the researcher in an
attempt to complete observation record sheet shown in
appendix (i) may not be very useful when assessing the
various animals. Larger plots (larger than 20m x 20m)
34
would be required if any substantial animals were to
be seen. An ideal system would be to use aerial method
but this was thought to be be y ond the scope of this
study. Nevertheless, the quadrat method is very
appropriate for assessing the state of plants in the
environment.
To have to reconstruct the past environment, there
was heavy dependence on reports by individual persons.
The degree of accuracy of the reports therefore depends
on those who reported. It was expected, however,
that some marginal error would be incorporated as the
subjects respond to the questionnui~e. Since averages
were taken for many individuals, the error was
minimized. Those then are some of the limitations
of the study.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations have been used in
the chapters of this dissertation.
CITES - Convention of International Trade in Endangered
Species.
FAO - Food and Agricultural Organization.
KANU - Kenya African National Union (Ruling Party
of Kenya).
IUCN - International Union for Conservation of
Nature.
MEAG - Murang'a Environmental Action Group.
NCCK - National Christian Council of Kenya.
NEHSS - National Environment and Human Settlement
Secretariat.
NGOs - Non Governmental Organizations.
PPCSCA -Permanent Presidential Commission for Soil
Conservation and Afforestation.
UNEP -United Nation Environment Programme.
UNESCO -United Nation Education Social and Cultural
Organization.
- 36 -
REFERENCES
Altifield, R. The Ethics of Environmental Concern.
Basil, B. & Adwell Publishers Ltd.,
London, 1983.
Budowski, G. "Tourism and Environmental Conservation:
Conflict, Coexistence or Symbiosis?"
Journal of Environmental Conservation, Vol.3
1976.
Ehrlich, P.R. et aI, Human Ecology, W.F. Freeman, 1973.
FAO Forestry Paper in Desertification Control Bulletin
1984, No. 12.
Goudie, A. The Human Impact Basil Blackwell Pub. Ltd.
1981 .
Greenwood, N.H. Human Environments and Natural Systems
Duxbury Press, 1973.
Holdgate M.W. et al (Eds) The World Environment 1972-82
A report by UNEP Vol. 11.
lItis, H.H. "Tropical Forests: What Will Be Their
Fate?" in Global Ecology Sinauer Associates
Inc. Sunderland Massachussetts, 1986 .
./1
Jaetzold, R. and Schmidt, H. Farm Management Handbook
of Kenya Vol. 2. Natural Conditions and
Farm Management Information Part B, CENTRAL
KENYA (Rift Valley and Central Provinces)
Ministry of Agriculture, 1983.
37 -
Kassas, M. "Deforestation, Desertification and Soil
Loss". Desertification Control Bulletin,
No, 12, 1984.
Kerfoot, O. "The Vegetation of the South-West Mau
Forest"., East African Agricultural and
Forestry Journal Vol. 29 1963.
Kericho District Development Plan, Ministry of Finance
and Planning 1984/88.
Mabutt, J.A. "Desertification of the World's rangelands".
Desertification Control Bulletin, No. 12,
1985.
Owen, D.P. Man's Environmental Predicamenr: An
Introduction to Human Ecology in Tropical
Africa, Oxford University Press, London,
1973.
Permanent Presidential Commission on Soil Conservation
and Afforestation, Government Printer, Nairobi, 1983.
Swara, East African Wildlife Society, Vol. 11. No.5,
September/October 1988.
CHAPTER 2
LITERAITRE REVIEW
Introduction
Having outlined the nature of the problem under
investigation and having clearly stated the kind of
objectives. It would now be appropriate to give
studies done by other people, that ~re related to the
problem currently being ivestigated. In the section
that follows various studies carried out on certain
environmental problems are outlined. This review will
illustrate the importance of perpetual assessment of
the state of the environment.
Deforestation
The importance of forests as a natural resource
has been recognized throughout the world. Not only will
forests provide the necessary building material and
fuel but also act as climatic stabilizers (Struhsaker,
1981 : 109). Forests are therefore of extreme value
to man and his environment and would be very difficult
to estimate its value in monetory terms. According to
Struhsaker (1972), Poor (1976), and Minkowski (1977),
forests continually act as watersheds, stores of
genetic resources (e.g. for medical and industrial
uses), protectors against soil erosion and floods,
climatic stabilizers, biological standards to compare
with adjacent land used for different purposes, and
39
tourist attraction. Forests represent one of the principal
natural formations (biomes) of the world, the most
complex in structure and richest in species composition
(genetic diversity). One researcher (Kassas, 1984)
reports that forests of all types cover 4,090 million
hectares equivalent to 31% of the world's land surface
area. He distinguishes two major categories of forests
namely Tropical forests and Temperate forests. Tropical
forests, according to Kassas, has most of its nutrients
retained within the biomass leading to poor soil when
plants are removed. He gives an estimated productivity
value of 650 tonnes/ha/year - the highest value for any
natural ecosystem. The Temperate forests on the other
hand have nutrients mainly in the soil. These findings
imply two things: First, removal of Tropical forests
leads to impoverished soil and secondly removal of
vegetation in the Temperate regions leaves back fertile
soil capable of supporting regeneration of forests. The
effects of deforestation therefore varies according to
the place it is wrought. The problems facing Tropical
and Temperate forests are clearly summarised by Kassas
in the following words:-
Today these two geographic groups of
forests are threatened by different
environmental hazards. The temperate
zone forests are afflicted by
industrial air pollution including
acid precipitation whereas the Tropical
forests are subject to depletion
through excessive cutting that is not
compensated by af t orestat i-on . Shifting
40
cultivation is perhaps the greatest
single cause of deforestation in
the tropics (Kassas, 1984:12)
Relevant to the current discussion is the rate of
deforestation in the tropical regions and the ultimate
effect of such deforestation upon the nature of the
environment. Deforestation usually casts negative
effect upon the environment (e.g. increases risks of
flooding, soil erosion, and dam siltation) - yet recent
studies show that the rate of deforestat~on is much
higher than the rate of planting. The recent FAO-UNEP
Tropical Forest Resource Assessment gives an estimated
ten times rate of deforestation of the existing Tropical
forests as compared to the rate of a~forestation. (FAO
Forestry Paper 1982, No. 38: 4) The same assessment
report gives the following values:
Table 8 Causes of deforestation
Size Cause of deforestation
5.1 million ha/year attributed to shifting
cultivation
6.2 million ha/year attributed to clearance
for agriculture and pasture
With the above rate of deforestation, it becomes quite
clear that man must alter his practices to safeguard the
threatened forests. Unless this is done, man will come
41
to realize (and perhaps too late) that he will have
created an environmental problem for himself. For
most countries of the world the visible effect of
deforestation is the scarcity of fuelwood. This will
make the cost of fuelwood to be extremely high. The
values below illustrate the point.
Table 9
Cost of Fuelwood of various countries in different
Years*
Country/town Year Cost of 1m3 wood year Cost of 1 m) wood
Cameroon 1976 8 dollars 1981 44 dollars
Abidjan 1976 26 dollars 1980 250 dollars
* Source: FAO ForestryPaper 1982 No. 38 p. 4
Because of the rising costs and scarcity of fuelwood
initiated by deforestation, most countries have found
themselves in a state of energy crisis. This is
particularly discouraging when it is realized that on
continental and regional basis afforestation rates lag far
behind deforestation rates. Pastel and Heise in a study
issued by Worldwatch Institute - a Washington based
research organization, pointed out that:
Unless tree planting is accelerated
half the people in the developing
world will lack a sustainable supply
of fuelwood in the year 2000. The
human ecological costs of wood scarcity
are already high. In rural parts of
Himalayas and sub-Saharan Africa,
women and children spend between 100
42
and 300 days a year gathering
firewood, pulling them aWqy from
farming and other productlve
activities. (The standard, .Iurie
20th 1988: 12)
To appreciate the rate of destruction of the existing
forests, one needs to look at the findings by FAO outlined
below:
Table 10 Rate of deforestation and afforestation*
.- .~-------
Forest area in Rate of deforestation Rate of
Region millionsot in million ha/yr planting in
hectares millions ha/yr
Tropical
America· 896 5.6 0.535
Tropical
Africa 703 3.7 0.126
Tropical
Asia 336 2.0 0.438
TOTAL 1935 11.3 1.099
-
* Source: FAO Paper, Forestry, 1982, No. 38 p. 4
Deforestationas an environmental ill is by no means
restricted to the tropical countries. The same is also
evident in temperate countries. Eskander Firouz (1974)
talking about Iran for example, says that only 3.4 million
hectares of forests remained of what used to be over
6 million hectares. Lamenting about the catastrophe,
Firouz said that:
43
... a matter of the greatest concern
is the transformation and destruction
of ecosystems. Earlier the alteration
of a specific plant community might
take centuries or even millenia, but
with burgeoning population and advanced
technology, radical transformation
have been wrought on the natural
environment in a mere decade. Our
Caspian forests beautiful and precious
legacy handed to us from the tertiary
period - unique among the temperate
forests of the world, would have been
decimated had His Majesty the Shahanshah
not intervened personally to ensure
perpetuation of what remained. (Firouz,
1976: 34).
What Firouz is saying is that population explosion and
technological advancement have accelerated the rate of
forest destruction. This is due to improved methods
of forest exploitation and the heightened demand for open
land for both pasture and agriculture.
Polhill (1968) talking on the Tanzanian state of
affairs, called attention to the importance of preserving
the natural vegetation of the Pugu Forest, suggested
that Nature Reserve status be given to this and other
areas of natural vegetation in need of total protection.
Protection of Pugu Forest, according to Polhill, had to
be carried out because of the following reasons:-
1. The forest act as genetic bank or store for the
future.
2. It has many endemic plant species for which little
is known.
44
3. The forest represent one of the few places where
Sokoke pipit, a kind of bird endemic to East African
Coast has been recorded.
4. This forest and the nearby Pande Forest Reserve are
the last two remaining areas of lowland Coastal
Forest in Tanzania, and hence of extreme importance
for biogeographers and researchers.
In recognition of the rate of deforestation and
environmental disruption, the President of Kenya has
formed a Permanent Presidential Commission on Soil
Conservation and Afforestation. Already much conservation
work has been done by the Cornm is si.on . According to the
1983 report of the Commission, "Every Kenyan could
claim a meagre 0.17 ha of arable land and 0.10 ha of
closed forests". (Permanent Presidential Commission
on Soil Conservation and Afforestation, 1983: 4)
This means that much of the Kenyan forests have been
•.
cleared either for settlement or agricultural purposes.
The importance of forests as recognized by the Commission
are very much similar to those advanced by Polhill
earlier cited namely genetic banks, habitats of
endemic species, strategic cites for research etc.
The commission further adds that forests are useful as:-
1. Source of timber needed for individual uses.
2. "Sinks" or absorbers of pollutants and excess
carbondioxide.
45
3. Important sources of oxygen needed by living
organisms.
4. Important middle stage in the hydrologic cycle
and hence affect climate of a place especially with
respect to how much rain would fall.
In Kenya afforestation has become a matter of
national priority. The ruling Party Kenya African
National Union (KANU) is deeply concerned with environmental
conservation especially in the present stage of Kenya's
development. It seeks to ensure a balance between
human activities and environmental protection. KANU
in its manifesto clearly states that:
... afforestation constitutes one of
the major programmes in land conservation.
This is in recognition of the fact that
forests influence climate, soil productivity
and protect water catchment areas ... KANU
Government will intensify its efforts in
afforestation through practical measures and
education. In this respect tree planting
especially of indigenous species is being
promoted ... Publicity of environmental
degradation activities and environmental
protection measures will form an integral
part of environmental education. (Nation,
Sunday Feb. 28th 1988:6)
Therefore KANU does not only ensure proper
utilization of the existing forest resources but seeks
to make the inhabitants of the land more aware as far
as environmental issues are concerned. One of the
practical contribution of KANU to the current problem
of deforestation is establishment of tree nurseries all
over the country. (Nation, Eb i.d},
46
The positive attitude shown toward tree planting
in the country has largely been boosted by special
interest shown by the leaders as well as their
actual participation in the exercise. On April 22nd
1983, for example, President Moi planted an indigenous
tree Prunus africana at Uhuru Stadium where in 1963
the Kenyan flag was first hoisted to replace the British
one. The President's call that year was for the citizens
to "plant more and more indigenous plants". The urge to
plant more and more indigenous trees was quite a
significant since dependence on exotic trees may lead to
certain undesireable side effects. Such exotic trees
like eucalyptus, cypress, pines etc, can alleviate short-
term needs of mankind but in the long run may cast negative
effect upon the environment. The President's view is in
agreement with several studies (Gebregziabher, 1974, Green
and Minkowski, 1977) as is summarized by the following
statement .
...although generally fast growing
(cypress, pines, and eucalyptus) ,
these are poor choices in several
aspects. Dense stands of these
species inhibit the growth ot
under storey plants. Consequently
these plantations are generally
poor watersheds and soil preserves.
in terms of animal life these
plantations of exotic softwoods are
essentially sterile. The urgent need
for increased production and the
necessity of these exotic softwood
plantations is accepted. However it
is stressed that much mor~ effort
should be made to foster the
regeneration ot indigenous tree species.
Monocultures may not work because of
disease and insect pest problem but
mixed stands of tree species could
be successful. (Struhsaker, 1981:
110) .
Further to the establishment of Permanent
Presidential Commission of Soil Conservation and
47
Afforestation in Kenya, several other bodies have
been formed to look into the state of the environment
both locally and nationally. One such body is
National Environment Secretariat (NES). Currently,
studies are being carried out on district basis
intended to give environmental report about each of
them. Though the exercise is incomplete to date, the
District reports have been very useful. According to
the reports, deforestation in Nyeri for example has
largely been attributed to the high demand for timber
along the slopes of Mt. Kenya and overgrazing.... Nevertheless,
Rural Afforestation has been reported to be very active in the
District (Nyeri District Environment Assessment Report 1980:
33) •
For Murang'a District, the Environmental Assessment
Report of 1982 published by NEHSS in collaboration with
USAID is said to be experiencing continued reduction of
the extent of forested land. Here deforestation is
attributed to accidental fires burning of charcoal,
clearance for more arable land and settlement. The report
further adds that due to heavy deforestation in the District,
much of its catchment areas have been destroyed through
increased sail erosion and excessive runoff, cost of•.
woodfuel has risen sharply due to their reduction, timber
supply has fallen far below the demand and that increased
48
siltation has taken place in the Tana River due to
increased exposed soil upstream. Although afforestation
programmes in Murang'a started in 1973, its success has
not yet been completely realized. This has been mainly
been due to:-
1) inadequate District Development Funds.
2) lack of personnel and appropriate equipment.
3) lack of followup programmes to monitor the success
of seedlings acquired by the farmers.
4) inadequate support for Agroforestry.
The above problems by and large affect afforestation
in most districts of Kenya let alone the rest of the world.
The success of afforestation in any locality
largely depends on edaphic (soil) and climatic (rainfall,
wind, temperature, pressure etc) conditions of a region.
However, cultural beliefs and traditions of a people
play a role in the acceptance of the "gospel" of
afforestation as well as their perception of the
entire environment. According to Meru District Assessment
Report of 1985, Meru people were described as possessing
a peculiar characteristic that had greatly protected their
natural landscape. These people were reported to have
special attachment to trees. Traditionally all the trees
49
were the property of the community except those actually
planted by individuals. Large trees such as "Muringa"
or Cordia abyssinica and Meru Oak were allowed to stand
even if land was being cleared for cultivation. In
addition there was a small sacred groves scattered round
the countryside where religious sacrifices and ceremonies
were held. The accession of a new "Mugwe" (religious
leader) was marked with planting a tree (Meru District
Environmental Assessment Report 1985: 45 - 44).
A positive view of trees be it for ceremonial
purposes or otherwise will in no doubt safeguard certain
trees from the devastating hand of man. Where such a
positive view is upheld by the people, any afforestation
programme would surely be successful. Encouraging to note
is that other communities of Kenya besides the Meru have
special reference to certain specific plants. Agikuyu
for example, performed most of their ceremonies under
•.
"Mugumo" (or fig tree) while the Kipsigis have special
attachment to "Saptet" (Podocarpus milanjianus) . It is
therefore significant where afforestation is to be
initiated that perception of the people must be considered.
Where perception is in direct conflict with the programme,
an attempt should be made to educate the people
accordingly. Liv Shu and Zhu Zhanda talking on conflicting
perceptions made the following observation about
desertification:
50
... perceptions are important in the
study of environmental problems in
general and desertification in particular.
The opposing perceptions of man's place vis
a vis nature and the concon~itant perceptions
that differing individuals and groups have of
each other preclude the general understanding
and co-operation needed and foster the
continued abuse of the fragile Sahelian
ecosystem: (Zhu Zhanda and Liv Shu, 1985:
10) •
To conclude this section G~ ~E~or~s~a~~cn, i~ is
important to mention in passing that the success of any
afforestation programme much dependson the awareness of
the people on .the merits and demer its of the programme.
In most cases participation enhances learning and
participation in environmental actions (e.g. tree planting)
has great educational merit. What is being advocated
here is sound method of disseminating environmental
information to the inhabitants of the land. A
Comprehensive programme of environmental education must
be established if the people have to understand the
intricacies prevalent between the various elements
of the environment. For some countries of the world
the programmes are already in full swing while for others
they are yet to gain sufficient momentum before they get
started. One author (Struhsaker, 1972) for example
complains that teachers and certain members of the
community lack awareness of the practical importance
of the undisturbed rainforest. He further adds that
the only uses they knew were fuel and timber source .
For those already aware, non-governmental organizations
51
have mobilized their people into participation. This is
true in Africa and the rest of the world. Countries
that have already participated are as±ollows: Columbia
has special Environmental Education programme aimed
at environmental conservation. Wild life clubs have
also participated effectively in Kenya, Mauritius,
Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. In India the Chipko
movement has been found useful in acting against
deforestation. In Thailand, youth Campaign for
Environmental Reform helped in the enactment of National
Environment Quality act of 1975. 4-H clubs and youth
Conservation Corps are operational in U.S.A. Blue and
Green Patrols also in operation in USSR.
Within Kenya, a locally initiated group has been,
found useful in mobilizing the prop le to safeguard the
threatened environment. This is Murang'a Environment
Action Group (MEAG). This is composed of teachers,
community leaders, politicians, doctors etc. All are
intended to enlighten the people on the existing hazards
and possible ways of overcoming them. Another way of
keeping the people aware of environmental changes and
their effects through mass media e.g. T.Vs, radios,
tapes, and films. These would be reinformed by practical
involvement.
52
In this section of deforestation, a review of
literature related to the subject has been made .. From
the review it becomes evident that all over the world
the rate of deforestation of natural forests far exceeds
the rate of planting. This is true of developed and
developing nations. Whereas afforestation is being
carried out in several countries, the target has not
been reached. There is therefore unavoidable call to
the nations of the world to protect the remaining natural
forests if anything has to be conserved by the turn of
this century. This is particularly disturbing when
such protection has to be carried out amidst ever
increasing human population. Brown (1981) echoes back
the same call in the. following words:
The rate of population growth is such
that protective measures must be taken
now inorder to have natural forest
habitats left by the year 2000 (Brown
1981: 30 - 31)
Decimation of Plant and animal Species
A Global 2000 study suggests that between half a
million and two million species (15 - 20% of all species
on earth) could be extinguished by the year 2000, mainly
because of pollution. One half to two thirds of the
extinction will result from clearing or degradation of
tropical forests. Insects, other invertebrates and
53
plant species - many of them unclassified nor examined
~
by scientists - will account for most of the losses,
(Southwick, 1986: 50). Looking at the world environment,
one is alarmed at the rate of certain plant and animal
species are being decimated or pushed to near extinction
especially through man's activities. In water
environments marine species are the ones faced with ext-
inction while a critical loss from land environments
will be that of decimation of cereal grains. This is
particularly critical since four fifths of the world
population depend on less than two dozen plant and animal
species which need wild and domestic strains to improve
them. With the present trend of misuse of biotic
resources, however, it is most unlikely that even the
most careful husbandry of the remaining resources can
compensate for the swift massive losses that are
expected. Decimation of plant and animal species has
been recognized in many countries of the world and reports
of studies on the subject are available. In the paragraphs
that follow a few studies relevant to subject will be
cited.
Three authors - Veblen, Delmastro, and Sclatter -
carried out a study in Southern Chile of the plant Alerce
or (Fitzroya cupressoides). In their study they found
out that the plant has long been the most valued timber
54
in Chile and that it had been overexploited.
Consequently, only small remnants persisted of the once
extensive forests of largest and long-lived Alerce tree.
They found out that this tree is only restricted to
the slopes of Andes, Cordillera Pelada and Cantao.
Conservation of the tree illustrate~some of the
dilemmas encountered in conservation in the Third World
countries. First, the plant is very tall and wide
(50 m tall and upto 4m in diemeter). Secondly it can
live for a very long period of time. According to
Schmithusen (1960) and·Munoz (1971) I the plant may live
for as long as two to three thousand years. This makes
the plant very ideal for timber. Any attempts to
conserve the plant, therefore, will most likely fail
due to acute demand for its wood. Moreover, any attempt
to plant new ones will not solve immediate need for timber
since the plant was found to be very difficult to
regenerate.
Similar studies were done in Iran on the state of plant
and animal species in an attempt to establish their
position in the list of endangered species. In his
article "Environment ,and Nature Conservation in Iran,"
Firouz (1974 reported that the Department of Environment
of Iran has had considerable success in its programmes
of protecting endangered species. In his study, Firouz
identified several plants and animals that could be
S5
classified under endangered species. Among those
identified were:
1. Persian Onager or wild ass (Equus hemious) - mammal
2. Persian Fallow Deer (Damadama mesopotamica) - mammal
3. Asiatic Black bear - mammal
4. Asiatic cheetah - mammal - legally protected in 1959.
5. Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palutris) - reptile
6. Great Bastard (Otis tarda) - Bird - protected in 1967.
7. Caucasian Black Grause (Lyrurus-mlokosiewiczi) - Bird.
8. Alder (Alnus subcordata) - plant
9. Ladebour's Lily (Lilium ledebourii) - plant
Based on these findings, it is evident that for any country
both animals and plants could fall into the list of
endangered species. Pushed further the organisms could
altogether be decimated. It is therefore necessary for
various countries of the world to keenly consider
conservation of those plants and animals that are facing
extinction.
Studies in Africa reveal the same trend of animal
and plant erradication from the environment. Reporting
on the state of the black rhino (Diceros bicornis) and
Elephant in Africa, Jackson (1982) reported that the
black rhino has severely suffered from poaching and
that its population, which at the time stood between
10,000 and 15,000 and scattered throughout 18 countries
56
was only a fraction of what it was a decade ago. He
further indicated that Kenya by that time had lost 90%
of her black rhinos leaving only about 1,500. Moreover,
he added, numbers had fallen sharpl% everywhere. Jackson
insisted that protection of both species and habitats
was necesary if conservation was to succeed. This was
true of elephants and rhinos he studied. Long term
planning that is necessary for effective conservation
obviously depend on African governments. Nevertheless
these governments need continued aid of International
Community to help in conserving species which are after
all part of the world's heritage.
Eor a threatened species like the black rhino, an international
organization is required to control its exploitation
as a biotic resource. A good example of such an
organization is "Convention of International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES) of wild fauna and flora. No
doubt high demand for elephant tusks and rhino horns
especially in the Middle East and Asian countries has
resulted in a sharp fall in the overall numbers of
rhinos and elephants. Martin reporting on official
Yemeni statistics said that the country between 1969
and 1977 imported 22645 Kg of rhino horns - a figure
that was calculated to mean the death of 8,000 rhinos!
Under such circumstances CITES would restrict trade in
such co~nodities that would result in devastation of
the existing animals.
57
Struhsaker, and Leland (1977) carried out an
observation in Central Tanzania and South Zanzibar on
two rare and endangered population of red Colobus
monkeys - Colobus badius gordonorum and Colobus badius
kirkii. Observation in Central Tanzania was done in
Magombero Forest Reserve. Here much of the forest was
found to be disturbed by Tanzam Railway and that in
some areas the reserve had been threatened by total and
irreversible destruction through extensive and illegal
agricultural encroachment. On Colobus badius kirkii,
the authors stated that:
...The greatest threat to Zanzibar
red Colobus is habitat destruction
in form of timber felling, the
charcoal industry, encroaching
cultivation and general bush
burning to facilitate hunting of
duikers and pigs. (Struhsaker and
Leland, 1980: 214).
This observation can be generalized to include
Tanzania and many countries of the world. Exploitation
of forest resources as well as search for new
agricultural land has resulted in much destruction
of animal and plant life.
Between 1976 and 1977 Barnes carried out research
study in Ruaha National Park of Tanzania. His major
aim was to look into the destruction of Baobab tree
58 -
(Adansonia digitata) by elephants. In this study, he
concluded that the baobab population would be
eliminated from the area in 30 to 170 years from then
depending on the mortality pattern caused by elephants
provided that there was no further ~egeneration and
change in elephant density. This indicates poor
management of game parks where the animals far exceed
the carrying capacity of the land. In Tsavo East,
Leuthold (1977) believes that baobab was at the time
nearly exterminated.
Destruction of habitats containing endemic plant
and animal species leads to decimation of the affected
organisms. It is thefore essential that such habitats
be conserved. Arabuko-Sokoke near Malindi in the Kenya
Coast is the sole known habitat of Sokoke scops owl
(Otus) irenae) and Clarkes weaver (Ploceus golandi)
It is also an important refuge for Sokoke pipit
(Anthus sokokensis) both of which are endemic to East
African coastal forests. This information is clearly
documented in Brown's article "the Conservation of
Forest Islands in areas of high human density", earlier
cited.
It is important to note that
even where nothing substantial is removed from the
environment, large scale projects may cause an alteration
of the natural habitat of certain endemic species, hence
59
causing increased threat to their survival. Jonglei
Canal Scheme in Sudan is reported to have experienced
such a threat. The shoe bill (Balaenciceps rex) , a
bird endemic to the area, is said to have been heavily
reduced due to introduction of the canal. On the
same note, Homewood and Mkunga (1977) adds that because
of the establishment of Tana River irrigation project
in Kenya, the existence of Mangabey (Cerocebup galeritus)
and Tana red Colubus (Colubus badius rufomitratus) -
both endemic to the region are threatened.
In summary, the existence of plants
and animals over the earth surface is entirely at the
mercy of human hand. Where man's activities are in
direct conflict with the conservation measures plants
and animals are apt to suffer. Should his activities,
however, be congruent to the existing conservation
measures, then both animal and plant perpetuation
would definitely be assured. Decimation of plant
and animal species will not only be attributed to sheer
need for more agricultural land, timber, fuelwood, or
medicine but may also be explained by both economic needs
and lack of environmental awareness among the people.
Indeed, all the above parameters play a role, however
small, in explaining the gradual extinction of certain
plant and animal species. It is worth emphasizing at
this point that where an animal or plant is found
•
60
endangered one should not attempt to rationalize on
the situation. The current debate on African Leopard
as to whether it was endangered or not is noteworthy.
In this debate, Martin and Meulenaer asserted that the
African Leopard was not endangered while the rest
of the world thought the contrary. (Daily Nation,
July 21st 1987: 6). It would suffice to safeguard the
life of an organism whether it was really endangered
or just at the verge of getting so.
Having considered the related literature, the
design of the study will now be described.
61
REFERENCES
Baker, R., "Env"ironmental degradation in Kenya: two
conflicting explanations", African
Environment Nos.17, 18, 19, Vol. 1,2,3,
1986.
Brown, L.R., "The Conservation of Forest Islands in
areas of high population density". African
Journal of Ecology 1981, Vol. 19.
EastAfricanWildlife Society,Swara,May/June 1988,Vol. 11 No. 3.
EastAfricanWildlife Society,Swara, July/August1988, vol 11 No. 4.
FAO Forestry paper, "Tropical Forest Resources Assessment",
1982, No. 38.
Firouz, E., "Environment and Nature Conservation in Iran".
Environmental Conservation, 1976 vol 3.
Roldgate, M.W.G.F. White, Environmental Issues, John
Wiley, 1977.
Jackson,P., "The futureof Elephantsand Rhinos in Africa" AMBIO-
a Journal of human EnvironmentVol 11 No. 4. 1982.
Kassas, M. "Deforestation, desertification and Soil
Loss". Desertification Control Bulletin.,
1984, No. 12.
Mazjnqira Vol. 18 No. 5, 1985. ~
•
62
Meru District Environment Assessment Report, August
1985.
Nation, Nairobi, "The African Leopard is not endangered",
July, 21st 1987.
Nation, Nairobi, Sunday Feb. 28th, 1988.
Nyeri District Environment Assessment Report, National
Environment Secretariat, - 1980.
Odum, E. P. Fundamenta~ of Ecology, W.E. Saunders Co.
1971.
Owen D.F., What is Ecology? Oxford University Press,
1974.
Permanent Presidential Commission on Soil Conservation
and Affore~!atio~, Government Printer, Nairobi, Kenya,
1983.
Republic of Kenya Environmental Management Report (NES) ,
Nairobi, 1982.
Southwick, C.H. Ed. Global Ecology, Sinauer Associates
Sunderland Massachusetts, 1986.
63
Struhsaker T.T. "Forests and Primate Conservation
in East Africa" African Journal of
Ecology, 1981, Vol. 19.
Struhsaker, T.T. and Leland L., "Observation on two
rare and endangered population of red
Colobus monkeys in East Africa: Colobus
badius gordonorum and Colubus badius kirkii".
African Journal of Ecology, 1980, Vol 18.
UNESCO, Trends in Environmental Education; UNESCO,
Paris, 1977.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH DESIGN
Introduction.
Unlike some studies, this research is not
experimental. It is however a form of correlational
survey. The study involved actua~ field work, personal
interviews and direct observation of plants and animals
in their natural habitats. Because of the difficulty
involved, not all people living in Kericho District were
interviewed but a selected sample. The selected few were
based on randomly chosen nodal points within the district.
In the paragraphs that follow, selection criteria for the
research sample and sample description are dealt with
together with type of instruments involved, method and procedur<
for administration of the research instruments, actual mode
of instrument administration and finally analysis of the
collected data.
Research Sample, Selection Criteria and Sample Description
The actual study areas refered to earlier as nodal
points were from \vithin Kericho District. Here it should
be noted that the study could have been done in every
part of the district but this was found to be both time
wasting and tedious. To be able to obtain the actual
areas of study, an outline map of Kericho District was
used. Before it was used, a boundary dividing Kericho
District into two ecological zones was drawn on the map.
65
Division of the district into two ecological zones was
based upon the nature of vegetation and other environmental
conditions observed in the field as well as the available
climatic data some of which have been included in chapter
one of this report. The two ecological zones established
were:
(i) Wetter Higher Zone
(ii) Drier Lower Zone
It is important to point out that the zones created
for the purpose of sampling are not necessarily the same
onffidescribed in chapter one of this report. The former
were established for the sole purpose of creating a better
selection of the animals and plants to be studied and a
better representation of the District's flora and fauna.
Realizing that Kericho District has diverse environmental
conditions it was found convenient to divide it into two
ecological zones. Once the boundary between the two zones
had been indicated on the map, it was now ready for use
in the process of sample selection.
To get the actual study areas (or nodal points) the
map bearing the two ecological zones, was traced onto a
piece of paper. Grid lines were then drawn over the traced
map, making sure to include both Northings and Eastings.
The Grids afterwhich were numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...20 etc.
Numbering was done for both Eastings and Northings. That
way the entire map was divided into small squares. The area
of study was found by using table of random numbers to
66
determine the coordinates of the lower left corner of
the study node. This is clearly depicted in the sketch..
below (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1: Illustration of placement of Grid lines, Zone
boundary and Selection of study areas from a
traced map.
6.
5 7 8 9
If in the sketch above the co-ordinates of the chosen
5.
4.
nodes as determined randomly were (6,4), (8,5), and
3.
A, B. C ..... Selected nodal points
(7,2), then the study areas would be A, B, and C
2.
-.......,-
D
0,.. , .- , '.' .
Boundary between two zones
1st zone
2nd zone
67
respectively as is indicated by shading. The process was
repeated for many more study areas as was required. Worth
noting is the fact that after randomly choosing the area
of study it was no longer necessary to randomly choose
the interviewees.
For every nodal point chosen a minimum distance was
established beyond which observation would not be made.
This was determined as per the size of the actual map
used and the total number of nodal points established.
In all there were fifty nodal points established and from
each ten subjects were interviewed (see appendices (v) and
(vi) ). Considering the size of Kericho District and the
overall number of sampled points of study, it was felt
convenient to restrict the observation to a maximum
distance of one kilometre (1 Km) east and north of the
point of intersection of the grid lines. This would
mean for the sketch above (fig. 1), the shaded area A
would be one square kilometre (lKm2) in area. The total
fifty nodal points selected were spread all over the
District. They, however, would fall under anyone of
the two established zones namely: Drier Lower Zone or
Wetter Higher Zone since the map had already be divided
into the zones prior to its use. This is clearly
shown once again by fig. 1 above. Whereas points B, and
C indicated in the Sketch were basically chosen following
the same procedure, they were automatically placed into
two different zones because the boundary dividing the zones
68
had already been ,drawn on to the map (see fig. 1).
Subdividing the fifty selected nodal points according
to the ecological zones established within the District,
the Wetter Higher Zone had thirty seven (37) sampled
points falling under it while the Drier Lower Zone had
thirteen (13). This is understandable when it is realized
that much of Kericho District is actually High and Wet
and that the Lower Drier region is of much lesser extent.
This can clearly be seen from the climatic data provided in
Chapter one of this report. Information about the Wetter
Higher Zone of the District was derived from the thirty
seven established points of observation while that about the
Drier Lower Zone was based on the thirteen selected points
of observation.
The area randomly chosen possessed human beings
interpersed with all the natural elements of an environment.
Since people living in the area were of all ages, only
those who had lived in the area for more than twenty years
were interviewed. Interviewees were elders of both sexes -
males and females. Children were excluded from this study.
In addition to interviewing people, the researcher
personally made observation of the natural environment
within each of the chosen study points. Such an observation
gave ground information about the state of plants and
animals within the environment. The observations made
were recorded in the prepared observation record sheet
included as appendix (i) of this report.
69
Research Instruments:
The most important instrument used was a questionnaire.
This was used while interviewing subjects on matters
related to nature of the environment in the area of study.
A copy of the questionnaire used is shown in appendix (ii).
Before the final version of the questionnaire was developed,
field tests were made so as to improve the nature and the
precision of the questions included within the instrument.
Basically the questionnaire was designed so as to assess
the following aspects:
a) magnitude of deforestation in Kericho District at
presen~·as compared to twenty (or over) year**
ago.
b) relative abundance of certain named plants and
animals listed in appendices (ii) and (iv)
respectively (also see Plates 1 and 2).
c) cultural traditions and environmental perception
of the people of Kericho District,
d) curren~exposure of environmental education of
the people of Kericho as compared to what used
to happen twenty (or more) years ** ago.
e) major causes, effects, and remedies of
deforestation arid decimation of plants and
animals in Kericho Distr~ct.
* - refers to 1988
** - refers to the period before and including 1968.
Plate 1.
70
The Animals Considered in the Study
a. b. c. d.
e. L g. h.
i. j . k. 1.
rn. n. o. p.
Key:
a. Colobidae b. Crocuta crocuta c. Lepus crawshayi
d. Syncerus caffer e. Panthera pardus f. Panthera 1eo
g. Tragelaphus scriptus h. Patamochoerus porcus
i. Rynchotragus kirkii (Dik Dik) j. Canis mesomelas
k. Francolinus coqui 1. Cercopithecus aethiops
m. Kobus (waterbuck) n. Cephalophus monticola
o. Musophaga rossae p. Numida meleagris
71 -
Plate 2: Some of the Sampled Plants for the Study
b. Acokanthera friesiorum
Acacia
.,
l. Croton macrostachyus e. Warbugia ugandensis c:.L • Acacia lahai
h. li. Meoboutania macrocalyx
.~
. Juniperus procera k. Olea africana 1. Erythrina abyssinica
72
The questions included in this instrument were of
necessity short and clear so as to elicit relevant
responses. A questionnaire was chosen for use because
it is usually easy to follow up, easy to administer
and provide even stimulus to all the subjects. Information
gathered through the use of a questionnaire, however,
involves time consuming analyses and this was recognized
during the study. (Walker, R. 1985: 49) •
Apart from the questionnaire, another instrument
used during the study was the observation record sheet
earlier mentioned. This was used to tabulate ground
observations made. A sample observation record sheet
is shown in appendix (i). Whereas the observer had to
be present in the field for lengthy period of time, the
observation sheet is advantagous since it does not need
special equipment, is simple to administer, makes the
observers to be objective and offers one a chance to
isolate salient points.
'1
(Walker, Ibid).
Method and Procedure for the Administration of the
Research Instruments.
Before administering the research instruments, it was
necessary for the researcher to fully acquaint himself
with the areas of study. This means prior to study time,
a visit to all establised nodal points was organized.
A visit to the areas of study at this stage of the study
served a dual purpose. First it made the researcher
73
aware of the extent and actual location of the nodal
points and secondly it offered a chance of trying out
the questions included in the questionnaire and hence
a base for their improvement.
Once the instruments had been pre-tested, field
observations were made. Because of the large number of
study points established (fifty) and two research assistants,
field observation went on for a period of three months.
Moreover, the sampled points were scattered all over the
District, hence making the span of time even longer. A
visiting schedule was prepared ahead of time so as to
ensure that all the areas sampled were observed. Here it
should be noted that time lapse was assumed not to
significantly affect the overal results of the study.
Upon arrival at anyone established point of study,
the researcher estimated the possible area from which the
subjects were drawn. While in the area, elderly people
that had been living within the area were identified.
These people were not necessarily randomly chosen but
picked by the researcher. Once identified, the
subjects were provided with questionnaires to fill in
the required information. Because some of the
selected respondents were illiterate, the researcher
and the assistants helped them to fill in the
questionnaires. An attempt was made to avoid as much
74
as was possible influencing the responses of the subjects.
For anyone selected nodal point, at least ten (10) people
were interviewed. The same process was repeated for all
the fifty nodal points selected. In all there were five
hundred (500) people interviewed regarding the state of
the environment in their respective areas.
After submission of questionnaires, within anyone
study area, the researcher himself established three
quadrats of 20m by 20m within the same area. These
were located anywhere within the chosen nodal point. The
established quadrats were then studied so as to obtain
,
the information required by the observation record
sheet shown in appendix (i). Basically the information
required included, the kind of plants present, relative
abundance of those plants, afforestation and deforestation,
and human activities within the region. Such information
indeed would be useful in assessing the extent and causes
of deforestation in the study area. Because certain
plants had to be counted (see appendix (iii) and Plare 2) I
it was decided that anyone plant exceeding fifty within
anyone established quadrat was to be categorized many
instead of giving its absolute number. This reduced
excessive counting. The same was repeated for all the
selected points each time recording the code number
of the area under investigation. Because fifty stations
were established, their numbers ranged from 1 - 50, and
the names are shown in appendices (v) and (vi). Worth
75
noting here is that the plants counted within anyone
of the quadrats were only those that were mature and not
seedlings. This measure was taken so as to ease counting
of the selected plants as well as their identification.
Because of the amount and nature of work involved,
research assistants were trained ahead of time so as to
assist in issuing out the questionnaires as well as filling
them in. They were also trained on how to fill the
observation record sheet earlier mentioned. Observation
in the field,which took a period of three months,was
particularly facilitated by a pre-prepared schedule
indicating daily visits. It was found necessary, however,
to make occasional visits to the already observed study
areas to confirm certain information. The completed
questionnaires and record forms were, after the exercise,
assembled for data analysis.
Data Analysis:
The assembled data inform of completed questionnaires
and observation record sheets, were subjected to thorough
analysis. The analysis made gave a basis of
conclusio~ on the objectives earlier stated in chapter
one of this report. Basically the objectives dealt
with four distinct areas namely, magnitute of deforestation,
76
relative aburrdanc e of plants and animals , cultural traditions
and perception of environmental conservation among the
people of Kericho, and finally environmental awareness and
different modes of information dissemination within the
District. Since raw data had already been obtained
through the use of questionnaires and record sheets,
conclusion on the stated objective~ were derived from
computation of totals, means, and percentages of the
various variables involved. The kind of calculation
made depended upon the parameters involved in the area
under consideration. The actual analysis carried out on each
area and the procedure followed are fully described
in chapter four of this report. The specific variables,
the results, and method of interpreting the results are
also described fully ln the same chapter. What needs to
be mentioned is that most of the data collected presented
the status quo of the environment at anyone time - the
past or the present as the case may be. The important
thing for the study, therefore, was the establishment
of the relative difference between two points in time
(past 20 years and the present) in terms of plant and
animal abundance, rates of information dissemination
and levels of environmental awareness, maqni.tudeof deforestation,
and people's cultural attachement and perception of the
environment. Therefore, in analysing the data collected,
no specific levels of significance were set as is normally
the case with some studies. To do this would have made
77
one to omit the relevant differences needed in assessing
the over~ll state of the environment. However, specific
conditions were set beforehand which were useful in
drawing up conclusions on each parameter and are described
in detail in Chapter four of the study.
Summary of the Research Design:
In this chapter information related to the actual
research design have been considered. The sample
description, and selection criteria were first discussed.
This included the description of the actual study areas.
Following sample selection, description was made of the
instruments used. The instrument described are the
questionnaire and the observation record sheet. Method
and procedure for the administration of the research
instruments were the next areas considered. Details were
given of the specific method of coding the study areas
and carrying out of field observation with the help of the
instruments. Finally a brief summary of the modes of data
analysis was considered. This included advanced warning
on the exclusion of the "levels of significance" when it
came to decision making. The detailed data analysis will
now be considered in the next chapter.
78
REFERENCES
Best, W. J., Research in Education,, Prentice-Hall,
Inc. Engelwood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1977.
Bogdan, R.C. and Biklen, S.K., Qualitative Research for
Education: An Introduction of Theory and
Methods, Allyn & Bacon, Inc. Boston,
London, Sydney, Toronto, 1982.
Dasman, R.F. Environmental Conservation, John Wiley &
Sons Inc. New York, London, Sydney Toronto,
1972.
Journal of Ecology, Vol, 47, No. 3 Nov. 1986.
Kormandy, E. Concepts of Ecology, Mackmillan Publishing
Co, Inc. New York, 1970.
Terry, J. Environmental Studies: A First Course,
Pitman Books Limited, 1982.
Walker, R. Doing Research: A Handbook for Teachers,
Gt. Britain University Press Cambridge,
1985.
Weisgerber, Ed. Instructional Process and Media
Innovations, Rand and MacNally & Company,
Chicago, 1968.
Wilkes, F.M. Elements of Operational Research, McGraw Hill
Book Company, London New York, 1980.
79
Young, R. A., Ed. Introduction to Forest Science,
John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York, Brisbane
Toronto, Singapore, 1982.
Zaremban, R.E. and Leatherman, S.P., "Vegetative
Physiographic Analysis of D.S. Northern
Barrier System". Environmental Geology
and Water Science. Vol. 8 No. 4, 1986,
Springer - Verlag, New York Berlin, Heidelberg,
Tokyo. 1986.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS OF THE STUDY
Introduction:
This Chapter mainly deals with the detailed procedures
of data analysis and the results obtained from the
investigation. Specific variables involved in the study
are carefully isolated and each discussed inturn. The
rationale of choosing a specific mode of data analysis
has, where necessary, been given. To obtain a comprehensive
report on the analysis of data, discussions are made
around the objectives earlier stated in Chapter one of
this report. As mentioned while concluding Chapter three,
the major areas touched upon by the 'objectives included
magnitude of deforestation, relative anundance of plants and
animals, cultural traditions and perception of
environmental conservation, and finally environmental
awareness and mode of information dissemination. Based
on these issues, analysis of data described in this
Chapter have been organized under the following headlines:
(i) Magnitude of deforestation of the past twenty
years*as compared to the present!*
(ii) Relative abundance of certain named plants and
animals. (see appendices (iii) and (iv) and
(iii)
p l.a tes 1 and 2.)
Cultural traditions and perceptions of
Environmental conservation.
81
I
(iv) Environmental awareness and mode ·(with rate) of
information dissemination.
After discussing each of the above area, a summary
of the discussions made in the entire chapter is given,
highlighting the major topics considered. Details are
given of the analysis made in each of the mentioned
areas and tables of results included for each case where
applicable. The detailed analysis of data will now be
considered in the foregoing paragraphs.
Magnitudeof Deforestationof the Past Twenty Years as Compared
To the Present
To be able to compare the magnitude of deforestationof the
past twenty years and that of the present, the subjects
were provided with alternatives to tick in form of a
Likert Scale. A scale of this kind has been found
particularly useful when assessing feelings of individuals
towards certain events. It enables them to rate objects
or events according to their liking. Likert Scale is
therefore sometimes called Rating Scale (Ary, J. D.;
Razavieh, L.C. 1972: 179 - 180). The responses obtained
were categorized and results compared. The actual questions
designed to elicit the responses of the subjects about the
magnitude o£ deforestation is included in the appended..
questionnaire number 4 (a) and (b) (see appendix (ii) ).
- 82 -
The scale used included the following possible
responses: Very low, low, moderate, high, very high and
these were recorded accordingly. The response of each
subject was categorized depending on its position in the
scale. To obtain a more generalized and acceptable view
for anyone period of time, responses of all the five
hundred subjects were used. First, all the responses were
categorized to their position in the scale. This was done
for all the five hundred subjects interviewed and for both
the past and the present. The values obtained for the
various categories, were expressed as percentages so as to
facilitate comparison. To obtain these percentages the total
figure of five hundred (500) was used. If the number of
respondents for anyone category of response was represented
by X, the total number of subjects represented by N, and the
percentage value of each category by PC! then the percentages
for the various categories of responses were computed using
the following formular
Pc = X x 100
N
where Pc = Percentage value of responses falling in any
one category
X Total no. of respondents falling into anyone
~
category
N = Number of subjects interviewed which in this case
were 500.
Based on the percentages obtained, comparison of various responseE
regarding magnitude of deforestation was made.
Number of Percentage
respondents
- 83 -
What needs to be remembered is the fact that numerical
values obtained represent opinions. At this level no
distnction was made about the two ecological zones already
described, but instead views of the entire District were
considered for both the past and the present. The same
procedure of computing the percentages was followed for both
the past and present. The results obtained are shown in
table (11).
TABLE 11.
Frequency and Percentage of Respondents giving various
views regarding Past and Present Magnitude of Deforestation
in Kericho District.
PERIOD PAST*
variable recorded Number of Percentage
respondents
PRESENT**
Category or
response
Very low 65 13 50 10
Low 200 ':40 160 32
Moderate 40 8 30 6
High 140 28 190 38
Very High 55 11 70 14
N = 500
** = Past refers to the period before and
including 1968.
* Present refers to 1988.
84
Since internal differences were noted in the
responses obtained for the two periods at time (i.e. past
and present) it was decided to compute percentages of the
various categories of responses for each of the two cases.
In doing this, responses were categorized by only two
parts. Respondents giving very low, low, and moderate
categories were those who rated magnitude of deforestation as
being "low" and those giving high, and very high rated
it "high". This means that for each of the two periods
of time percentage of the subjects considering deforestation
to be "low" and those considering it to be "high" were
computed. The absolute numbers of the subjects in each
case was also given. The percentages computed as well as
the absolute numbers of subjects given illustrate the
strength of the disagreement or agreement of anyone view.
This further reinforce the view of the people regarding
the rate of deforestation in the District.
To arrive at the percentage required in each case,
absolute numbers of the subjects falling under anyone
category as well as their total number were used. To
obtain then umber of subjects rating deforestation as
being "low" counts were made of respondents that
categorized very low, low, or moderate. On the other
hand those subjects rating deforestation as "high"
were obtained by counting those whose categorization
was either high or very high. The percentage in
each case was obtained by dividing the counted
number of subjects (low ·rate or high raters) by the
total number of subjects sampled (in this case 500)
85
and the result multiplied by a hundred (100). Therefore,
if the number of those rating deforestation as being
low is represented by Xl' the total number of subjects
sampled, N, and those who rated deforestation as being
"high" represented by Xh, then the following relationships
were used to obtain the percentages:
(i) Percentage of those who regard deforestation
as being low = (Xl x 100)%
N
(ii) Percentage of those who regard deforestation
as being high (Xh x 100)%
N ~
Where Xl No.of subjects rating deforestation as low.
Xh = No.of subjects rating deforestation as high.
N = Total number of subjects sampled (which was
500 for this study).
The actual results for the discussed parameters are shown
in table (12)
86
..
TABLE 12
Opinion Scores of the Various Categories of Responses On
Deforestation for the Past*and the Present*and Their
Respective Percentages
Past (Over 20 yrs ago) Present
Category Low rate High Low High rateof rate rate
Response magnitude magnitua(t. magnitude magnitude
Frequency
of
305 195 240 260Responses
(f)
Percentage
of the 61% 39% 48% 52%
Total
N = Lf =500
* - Past refers to the period before and including 1968
** - Present refers to 1988.
The other aspect of the information collectc~ about
deforestation was that related to its actual occurence
in the areas sampled. As was indicated in Chapter one
of this report, one assumption made was that deforestation
existed within the District and that its rate varied from
one place to another. Because of such an assumption
information was collected to confirm whether or not
forests existed in the region and if they were, whether
their extent at present is the same as in the past. The
87
respondents were required to state whether there were
forests in their respective areas in the past (over
20 years ago) and the same time indicate whether there
were forests at the time of the study. The responses
were categorized into two. The first group is those
that indicated that large forests were not present
in the past and that presently are there and the second
group is those that indicated that large forests were
present in the past and presently are not there. To
compare the two views, counts were made of the respondents
giving anyone view. The number of subjects giving anyone
view was expressed as a percentage of the total number
of subjects interviewd (which in this case was 500). If
the number of respondents holding the first view of no
large forests in the past but large forests now are
represented by Xl' those belonging to the second view
of large forests in the past but none at present
represented by X2, and the total number of subjects
represented by N, then the percentage needed for
comparison was computed by the following formulae
(i) Percentage of respondents holding first view
(Xl x 100) %=
N
(ii) Percentage of respondents holding second view
= (X2 x 100) %
N
88
..
Where Xl = No. of subjects stating that large forests
were absent in the past and presently there.
X2 = No. of subjects stating that large forests
were present in the past but presently absent.
N Total number of subjects interviewed (in this
case 500)
The computed values are presented in table 13.
TABLE 13
Categories of Responses Received Regarding the Existence
and Disappearance of Forests from the Study Areas:
Category of Frequency of Percentageresponse
responses (f) of the total
----' .•...l. Those who
helc the viewthat large forests 490 98%existed in the area
but have now
disappeared.
2. Those who held the
view that forests
were not there but 10 2%
are now present
where they never
existed.
N 500
89
An attempt was also made to collect information
about people's views about the state and causes of
deforestati~n within the District.~ The subjects were
required to state whether the existing forests were of
the same extent now as they were before or not. Along
with each response given the subject was required to
give reasons for the answer given. This enabled the
researcher to categorize the views into two parts. Those
that held the view that the existing forests are currently
of the same extent as they were in the past and those
that considered the existing forests as having reduced
in extent. A possible explanation for the first view is
reservation of forests or afforestation programme alongside
deforestation while the possible explanation of the second
view is deforestation in search of land for cultivation,
settlement, as well as wood fuel. Indeed these causes
were reflected by the responses from the subjects. To
compare the views of the respondents regarding the extent
of forests, counts were made of the subjects that gave
anyone of the two views and expressed as a percentage
of the total interviewees sampled. Therefore if the
number of subjects stating reduced extent of forests
were represented by X , those that stated same extentr
represented by X , and total interviewees were representeds
by N, then the following two relationships were used to
compute the percentage for either of the two cases:
90
(i) Percentage of those subjects who
stated that existing forests remained
the same
= (X x 100)%s
N
(ii) Percentage of those subjects who
stated that existing forests reduced
in extent
= (X x 100)%r
N
Where N Total number of subjects interviewed
(in this case 500).
x = Number of subjects that stated thatr
the extent of existing forests reduced.
X = Number of subjects that stated that thes
extent of the existing forests is the same
now as it was in the past twenty or over
years ago.
The computed values are given in table 14.
91
TABLE 14 ••
Percentage of Responses Received on
Extent of Deforestation Within
Kericho District
Frequency of Percentage of
Nature of Response the the totalresponse
a) Those who stated
that existence of 5 1%
forest remained
the same
b) Those who said
that existing 495 99%
forests have
reduced in
extent
U = N = 500
Based on the above analysis, it was possible to
compare the views of the subjects regarding deforestation.
The causes of forest reduction supplied by the subjects
facilitated the discussion on the major causes of
deforestation within the District and indeed the wider
world.
92
Relative Abundance of Certain Named Plants and Animals
The persons interviewed were required to respond
to questions designed to elicit their views regarding
the abundance of the selected animals and plants. The
plants and animals selected were those thought by the
~
researcher prior to the study as be-ing found within
the region had the environment not been disturbed. The
plants and animals were selected after a visit to the
area of study particularly those areas that were
undisturbed. This included the adjacent Forest Reserves
(Mau Forest and Chepalungu Forest reserves) as well as
the adjoining plains. (See Map No. 5.page 20).
Comparing the plant and animal species therein,-it
was hoped that the flora and fauna of the nearby areas
were more or less the same given their adjacent nature.
The actual lists of plants and animals used during the
study are given in appendices (iii) and (iv) and shown by plates
2 and 1 respectively. To facilitate interviewing of the
subjects the plant and animals were originally given in
vernacular (Kipsigis) names. The list as shown in
appendkes (iii)and (iv) are given in a complete form so
as to include scientific names, vernacular (Kipsigis)
names and where possible, common names.
Assessement of the individual plant or animal
abundance was achieved through the use of a five point
Opinionnaire Scale. A question was designed that
- 93 -
required the subject to indicate his or her own assessment
of the relative abundance of the chosen plants and animals
~
(See appendix (ii) section C (i) for the actual question) .
Because two periods (past 20 years and present) the
respondents were required to give their own assessment
both for past and present. This had to be done for the
animals as well as the plants. The responses received
were categorized as per the scale used. The alternatives
provided in the scale regarding the plant's or animal's
abudance were: None, Few, Moderate, Many and very many,
and these were used in distinguishing between various
views. To be able to compare the views of the respondents
on the relative abundance of the selected plants and
animals in the past and present, it was necessary to
compute percentages of individual plants or animals
with respect to responses received. First, respondents
giving anyone category of response about one specific
plant or animal were counted and their number expressed
as a percentage of the total subjects interviewed.
Therefore, if the number of respondents giving a given
Xresponse about a plant was represented by p, and those
giving a similar response about an animal represented
Xby a, and the total number of respondents interviewed
represented by N, then the following formulae were used
to compute the percentages of various respondents
regarding the individual plants and animals.
- 94 -
(i) Percentage of respondents holding a particular
~.
Xcategory of response about abundance of plants ~x 100
N
view about abundance of animals = Xa
N
x 100.
(ii) Percentage of respondents holding a particular
where Xp = Total number of respondents giving a similar view
regarding the abundance of the plants.
Xa= Total number of respondents giving a similar view
regarding the abundance of animals.
N = total number of interviewes for the Zone under
consideration. (This was 370 for Wetter Higher Zone and
130 for Drier lower Zone). The same percentages were
computed for both the past and present and for each
individual plant or animal selected for the study.
It was also done separately for the two ecological
zones established namely Wetter Higher Zone, and
Drier Lower Zone.
The values obtained were recorded separately as is
indicated in tables: 15, 16, 17 and 18.
- 95
TABLE .15
Percentage of Various Categories of Responses for Different
Plants at Different Periods of Time in Wetter Higher Zone.,
PERIOD PAST* 1 PRESENT**
I~--::nse None Few Mode- I . None Few Mode- Many veryMany Veryrate Many rate Many
Name of the Plant-----
I I
I !
4128
I
Polyscias fulva
I 60 8
I 0
I
19 70 8 3 0!
i I
I !Hagenea abyssinica 7 I 34 55 I 4 0 13 67 18 2 0
! II ,
i I
5 ! 30
I
!Fagara magrophylla 58 I 7 0 10 70 17 3 0II
!
Allophylus abyssinicus 5 75 10 0 0 80 18 2 0 0,,
I
,
Croton macrostachyus 0 0 3 I 12
, 85 0 10 70 20 0
I I
I
Meoboutonia macroealyx 0 I 5 15 I 69 11 I
2 67 13 8 10I I
I II I. I
I
Podocarpusmilanjianus 20 ! 73 I 7 0 I 0 38 60 2 0 0j 1 II i
I I iI
o I I
I
iAcacia lahai 4 110 70 16 15 80 5 0 0I II I I
Acacia absyssinica 0 5 ! 25 61 -!. 9 12 68 15 5 0
I I!
Aningeria adolfi 38 58 4 0 I 0 70 29 1 0 0I
I II
!
IStrombosia scheffleri 45 I 52 I 3 0 0 48 51 1 0 0
I Ii
Dambeya goetzenii 0 2 21 69 I 8 10 71 19 0 0
I i
Juniperus procera 49 151 0 0 I 0 56 45 0 0 0
N = 370
* - Past refers to the period before and including 1968
** - Present refers to 1988.
- 96 -
TABLE 16
Percentage of Various Categories of Responses for Different
Plants at Different Periods of Time in the Drier Lower Zone.
I
PERIOD PAST* PRESENT**
I
~~_ ..~f response None Few M:xle-Many Very None Few M:xle- Many Veryrate Many rate Many
Name of ~~--~
Olea africana 2 20 68 10 0 10 75 15 0 0
Juniperus procerus 6 24 61 9 0 8 89 3 0 0
Erithrina abyssinica 1 23 70 6 0 13 73 14 0 0
I
Trichocladus el1ipticus 0 18 74 8 0 7 78 16 0 0
Warbugia ugandensis 5 15 61 19 0 12 81 7 0 0 I,
ICassine buchanarni 15 13 63 18 1 12 78 10 0 0
Uclea divinorurn 6 17 67 10 0 9 85 8 0 0
Tarchonanthus
canphoratus 5 10 73 12 0 4 80 16 0 0
Ehretia cymosa 4 22 65 9 0 20 68 12 0 0
Diospyrus abyssinica 2 19 63 15 1 17 59 23 1 0
Teclea sirnplicifolia 0 3 19 68 10 10 68 17 5 0
Acacia xanthrophloea 0 8 21 59 12 3 69 21 6 1
Acokanthera friesiorum 0 0 15 80 5 1 52 40 6 1
N = 130
* Past refers the period before and including 1968
** Present refers to 1988. '
97 -
TABLE 17
Percentage of Various Categories of Responses for Different
Animals at Differen~ Periods of Time in Wetter Higher Zone.
PERIOD PAST* PRESENT**
,
t--~tegory0f response None FeVi M:xie Many Very None Few Mod.e-Many Very----._-- rate Many rate Many I------------- -
-Nacre of the animal -----
Cephalohusrnonticola 0 0 7 88 9 35 60 5 0 0
Lepus crawshayi 0 9 15 75 1 26 54 20 0 0
Pantherapardus 9 71 17 3 0 88 12 0 0 0
Francolinus coqui 2 41 10 69 15 17 66 14 3 0
Crocuta crocuta 8 21 59 12 •. 0 40 51 9 0 0
Syneceruscaffer 9 83 8 0 0 88 11 1 0 0
Canis mesoreLas 8 23 57 12 0 25 63 12 0 0
Potarrochoerusporcus 7 27 63 3 0 28 60 12 0 0
Cercopithecusaethiops 10 21 59 10 0 18 73 7 2 0
scriptus ,,Tragelaphus 0 1 12 77 10 40 53 7 0 0
Musophaga rossae 0 31 59 10 0 23 68 8 1 0
-,
Kobus 39 54 7 2 0 80 18 2 0 0
Colobidae 9 20 58 12 1 25 60 13 2 0
N = 370
* Past refers to the period before and including 1968
** Present refers to 1968.
98
TABLE 18
Percentage of Various Categories of Responses for Different
Animals at Different Periods of Time in the Drier Lower Zone.
PERIOD PAST* PRESENT**
r
~ory 0f response None Few Mode- Many Very None Few Mode- Many Very----- rate Many rate Man~1--------
IName 0f the animal--------
-"".~•..
Panthera leo 39 58 3 0 0 99 1 0 0 0
Francolinus coqui 0 9 24 63 4 26 53 11 0 0
Lepus crawshayi 0 0 0 9 91 20 78 2 0 0
Cephalophus IlDnticola 0 0 5 85 la 16 75 15 0 0
Kobus 27 53 15 5 0 90 8 2 0 0
Panthera pardus 19 61 12 8 0 93 6 1 0 0
Canis mescme.Ias 0 la 70 16 21 60 15 15 4 0
Crocuta crocuta 0 3 10 64 23 14 59 19 7 0
Syncerus caffer 15 70 12 3 0 94 5 1 0 0
Rhynchotragus kirkii 0 6 12 70 12 18 68 14 0 0
INurnidarreleagris 0 30 57 13 0 46 51 3 0 0
Tragelaphus sariptus 0 0 9 89 12 14 74 12 0 0
..
!Musophaga rossae 5 20 60 15 0 22 56 10 2 0
N = 130
* - Past refer to the period before and including
1968.
** - Present refers to 1968.
- 99 -
In an attempt to compare the frequency of the various
selected plants and animals for both the past and present,
counts were made of the stations where the plant or animal
was found and the number of stations found were expressed
as a percentage of the total number of stations falling
under that ecological zone. The value obtained was
recorded together with the average scores obtained for
each plant. If for a plant (or animal) selected in the
Wetter Higher Zone, the frequency \~alue was represented
by F h ' frequency value of the same plant (or animal)w z
in the Drier Lower Zone represented by Fdlz' and the
total number of stations observed for the entire ecological
zone represented by N, then the following relationships
were used to compute the percentages mentioned above:
(i) Percentage of statiornwhere plant (or animal)
was found in Wetter Higher Zone
(F x 100)%whz
N
(ii) Percentage of stations where plant (or animal)
was found in the Drier Lower Zone
(Fdlz x 100)%
N
Where F h is number of stations where the plantsw z
(or animal) was found in the Wetter Higher Zone.
Fdlz is number of stations where the plant was
found in the Drier Lower Zone of the District and
lOO
N is the total number of stations where observation
was made in anyone of the two ecological zones.
(This value was thirty seven (37) for the Wetter
Higher Zone and thirteen (13) for the Drier Lower
Zone) .
tables (see table 19, 20, 21 and 22) The percentages
Plants were considered separately from animals
and hence values obtained were recorded in seperate
obtained for the various plants or animals would glve
a comparative view of their frequencies when all the
stations of anyone ecological zone are commulatively
taken.
Because scores on subjects' rating of the various
animals and plants for both the past
(over twenty years ago) and the present, it was possible
to indicate direction and magnitude of change in terms
of scores. Since values were available for all the
individual plants and animals and for all the stations
sampled, the change was computed for all the plants and
animals and for all the stations. To arrive at the value,
the past score recorded for anyone plant or animal
in any station was substracted from a corresponding
score recorded for thepresent.The numerical value of
the difference between the past and the present scores
would represent the magnitude of change noticed between
the two periods of time past (over twenty years ago)
101
TABLE 19
Frequency and Percentage of Stations within which the
Various Plants were reported in the Wetter Higher Zone.
~
PERIOD PAST* PRESENT**
Variable recorded Number of Percentage Number of Percentage
Stations Stations
where where
Plant Plant
Name of the Plant reported reported
Polyscias fulva 37 100 28 75.7
Hagenea abyssinica 36 97.3 24 64.9
Fagara magrophylla 36 97.3 28 75.7
Allophylus abyssinicus 29 78.4 8 21.6
Croton macrostachyus 37 100 37 100
Meoboutonia macrocalyx 37 100 36 97.3
Podocarpus milanjianus 20 54.6 5 13.5
Acacia lahai 37 100 35 94.6
Aningeria adolfi 25 67.6 9 24.3
Strombosia scheffleri 19 51.6 6 16.2
Dombeya goetzenii 36 97.3 33 89.2
\
Juniperus procera 1 2.7 0 0
N = 37
* - Past refers to the period before and including
1968.
** - Present refers to 1988.
102
TABLE 20
Frequency and Percentage of Stations within which the
Various Plants were reported in the Drier Lower Zone.
PERIOD PAST* PRESENT**
~Variable recorded Number of Percentage Number of PercentagE
Na~ ___
Stations Stations
where where
Plant PlantPlant ~ reported reported
Oleaafricana 10 76.9 10 76.9
~Juniperus procerus 10 76.9 8 61.5
Erithrina abyssinica 13 100 13 100
Trichocladus ellipticus 12 92.3 10 76.9
Warbugia ugandensis 12 92.3 10 76.9
Cassine buchanami 12 92.3 11 84.6
Uclea divinorum 11 84.6 10 76.9
Tarchonanthus
comphoratus 13 100 13 100
Ehretia cymosa 12 92.3 4 34.6
Diospyrus abyssinica 10 76.9 8 61.5
Teclea simplicifolia 13 100 12 92.3
Acacia xanthophloea 13 100 12 92.3
Acokanthera friesorum 13 100 12 92.3
N = 13
Past refers to the period before and including 1968
Present refers to 1988.
* -
** -
103
TABLE 21
Frequency and Percentage of Stations within which the
Various Animals were reported in the Wetter Higher Zone.
PERIOD PAST* PRESENT**
~recorded Number of Percentage Number of PercentageStations Stations
Name of the where where-- Animal AnimalAnimal ..--.. ..•.•..~ reported Reported, ,
--
Cephalophus monticola 37 100 28 75.7
Lepus crawshayi 37 100 28 75.7
Panthera Pardus 35 94.6 5 13.5
Francolinus coqui 37 100 37 100
Crocuta crocuta 37 100 11 29.7
Syncenrus caffer 18 48.6 0 0
Canis mesomelas 37 100 20 54.1
Potamochoerus porcus 36 97.3 8 21.6
Cercopithecus aethiops 37 100 24 64.7
Tragelaphus scriptus 37 100 13 35.1
Mussophaga rossae 35 94.6 17 45.9
Kobus 17 45.9 2 5.4
Colobidae 34 91.9 8 21.6
N = 37
* - Past refers to Period before and including 1968
** - Present refers to 1968.
- 104
TABLE 22
Frequency and Percentage of Stations within which the
Various Animals were reported in the Drier Lower Zone
..
PERIOD PAST* PRESENT**
Variable recorded Number of Number of PercentagePercentage
Station Stations
Name of the where whereAnimal AnimalAnimal reported reported
Panthera leo 8 61.5 0 0
Francolinus coqui 13 100 11 84.6
Lepus crawshayi 13 100 11 84.6
Cephalophus monticola 13 100 la 76.9
Kobus 11 84.6 1 7.7
Panthera pardus 13 100 7 53.8
Canis mesomelas 13 100 9 69.2
Crocuta crocuta 13 100 7 53.8
Syncerus caffer 9 69.2 0 0
Rhynchotragus kirkii 13 100 11 84.6
Numida meleagris 13 100 5 38.5
Tragelaphus scriptus 13 100 4 30.8
Musophaga rossae 13 100 8 61.5
N = 13
* Past refers to the period before and including
1968
** Present refers to 1988.
- 105 -
and present. The sign behind the number indicates the
direction of change in percentages stations where a plant
or an animal - was reported. A negative sign (-) indicates
that percentage of stations has reduced whereas a positive
sign (+) would indicate a rise in the percentage of stations
when the two periods of time are considered. It would be
possible, however, to obtain a change value of zero (0).
This would mean that according to the assessment of the
subjects, there has not been any change in the number of
stations. Such a static situation would be considered
highly hypothetical, and putting aside the possible
inaccuracies that the subjects could have incurred in
assessing the abundance, the same could only be explained by two
possible events. First it would imply a dynamic equilibrium
within the habitat, where in case of plants, clearing goes
on alongside planting of the same species and in case of
animals balanced hunting. Secondly it would suggest proper
management of the environment or effective form of habitat
conservation where strictly laws of nature are left to
operate. Whatever caused the change the value was computed
and recorded for further discussions. Therefore if the past
value on percentage of stations where plant was reported fora
given zone was represented Xby pps,
dAp, the
the change in percentage
of stations represented by following relationship
was used to compute the change in the~percentage of stations
reporting the plant between the past (over twenty years ago)
and present.
- 106 -
where dA =P change in percentage of stations where plantX = percentage of stationswas reported, ppn
where the plants were reported at present*,
Xpps = percentage value of stations where plants
-were reported in the oast**.
* - Present refers to 1988.
** - Past referes to the period before and inlcuding
1968.
NB For all values obtained, the sign was recorded whether
negative (-), positive (+), or Zero (0).
Similarly the change in the percentage of stations was computed.
If the past value on percentage of stations for any animal in
a given zone was represented by Xapn, and the change in
percentage of stations represented by dAa, then the following
formular was used to calculate the change in percentage of
stations reporting the animal between the past and present:
where
dA ~= (X - X )a apn aps
dA = change in percentage of stations where animala
t d X = percentage value of stationswas repor e , apn
where the animal was reported for the present*.
X = percentage value of stations where the animal wasaps
reported for the past** (over twenty years ago)
* present refers to 1988
** past refers to period before and in~luding 1968.
As before the sign was indicated when recording.
Results from the above computations are indicated in tables 23 and
25 for plants and tables 24 and 26 for animals.
107
TABLE 23
Magnitude and Direction of Change in the Percentage of
Stations where the Plants were reported in the Wetter
Higher Zone.
Name of the Plant Magnitude and direction of
change in % Stations where
Plant was reported
Polyscias fulva * - 24.3
Hagenea abyssinica - 32.4
Fagara magrophylla - 21.6
Allophylus abyssinicus - 56.8
Croton macrostachyus 0
Meoboutonia macrocalyx - 1.8
Podocarpus milanjianus - 40.5
Acacia lahai - 5.4
Acacia abyssinica ~ - 8.1
Aningeria adolfi - 4.3
-
Strombosia scheffleri - 35.4
Dombeya goetzenii - 8.1
Juniperus procera - 2.7
N = 37
* Sign behind the numerical value indicatesthe direction of change:
Minus (-) shows reduction
Plus (+) shows increase
Zero (0) no change
108
TABLE 24
Magnitude and Direction of Change in the Percentage of
Station where the Animals were reported in the Wetter
Higher Zone.
Name of the Animal Magnitude and direction of
Change in % Station where
Animal was reported
Cephalopus monticola * - 23.3
Lepus crawshayi - 23.3
Panthera pardus - 71.1
Francolinus coqui - 0
Crocuta crocuta - 70.3
Syncerus caffer - 48.0
Canis mesomelas - 35.0
Potamochoerus porus - 75.7
Cercopithecus aethiops - 35.3
Tragelaphus scriptus - 64.9
Musophaga rossae - 48.7
Kobus - 40.5
Colobidae - 70.3
N = 37
* - Sign behind the numerical value indicates
the direction of change:
Minus (-) shows reduction
Plus (+) shows increase
Zero (0) no change.
109
TABLE 25
Maginitude and Direction of Change in the Percentage of
Stations where the Plants were reported in the Drier
Lower Zone.
Name of the Plant Magnitude and direction of
Change in % Stations where
Plant was reported.
Olea africana 0
Juniperus procerus - 15.4
Erithrina abyssinica 0
'I'r i.chod.Iadus ellipticus - 15.4
'!'
Warbugia ugandensis - 15.4
Cassine buchanami - 7.7
Uc1ea divinorum - 9.5
Tarchonanthus comphoratus 0
Ehretia cymosa - 64.7
Diosphyrus abyssinica - 15.4
Techea simplicifolia - 7.7
Acacia xanthophiboea - 7.7
Acokanthera friesorum - 7.7
""",'
N = 13
* - Sign behind the numerical value indicates
the direction of Change:
Minus (-) shows reduction
Plus (+) shows increase
Zero (0) shows no change.
110
TABLE 26
Magnitude and Direction of Change in the Percentage of
Stations where the Animals were reported in the Drier
Lower Zone.
Name of the Animal Magnitude and direction of
Change in % Stations where
Plant was reported.
Panthera leo - 61.5
Francolinus coqui - 15.4
Lepus crawshayi - 15.4
Cephalophuas monticola - 23.1
Kobus - 76.9
Panthera pardus - 46.2
Canis mesomelas - 30.8
Crocuta crocuta - 46.2
Syncerus caffer - 69.2
Rhynchotragus kirkii - 15.4
Numida meleagris - 61.5
Tragelaphus scriptus - 69.2
Musophaga rossae - 38.5
N = 13
* - Sign behind the numerical value indicates the
direction of Change: ,
Minus (-) shows reduction
Plus (+) shows increase
Zero (0) shows no change.
111
The assessment so far described regarding the
animal's and plant's abundance was based on the responses
obtained from the interviewees. To be able to ascertain
that the plants mentioned were actually present within
the study areas, the researcher established quadrats and
made counts of the named plants.
,
Such quadrats, as
described in chapter three of this report, were squares
of 20m by 20m placed anywhere within the selected study
nodes. For anyone selected study node, three such
quadrats were established and counts of plants made
therein. Thereafter, averages were computed for plants
found in anyone study area. The same was done for all
the stations considered but differently for the two
ecological zones established. To arrive at the required
average number of plants counted for anyone station, all
plants of the same species counted in the three quadrats
were added up and the total number divided by three (the
numb~r of quadrats established). Therefore, if the plants
counted belonging to specie (A) were found to be q1' q2
and q3 for quadrats 1, 2, and 3 respectively, then the
average number of that plant for that study node would
be found by the relationships;
Average number of Plants (A)
The same was repeated for all the plants selected
and listed in appendix (iii) and for all the stations
112
established (see appendkes (vi dnd (vii. Because
two different ecological zones were being considered,
the information found was recorded separately for the
two zones. The tabulated results gave .a basis of
determining the frequencies of the selected plants for
all the stations studied. When the plants were taken
together. The frequency values were obtained by counting
the number of plant species observed within anyone study
point. Counts were made for only those plants that were
selected. Because a total of thirteen plants were
selected for the study, the maximum frequency value for
anyone station would be thirteen (13) and the minimum
value wuld be zero. Whereas a frequency value of zero (0)
would suggest a landscape entirely devoid of vegetation,
it should not be interpreted per se as being the case.
One should recall that only a sample of plants were being
studied and that many more plants could be present in
study area even where the selecte~ plants were entirely
absent. The zero value however would be a very good
indicator of an overall reduced vegetation cover. Coupled
with this kind of analysis, the actual total number of
different plants counted when all the stations were taken
together, was also computed. This was found by adding
up all the plants belonging to one kind obtained in all
the established stations. The total value
obtained useful in assessingwas
1 13
the relative abundance of certain plant species
relative to the other selected plants. The values
obtained were summarized and recorded in tabular
form so as to facilitate further discussion.
tables 27 and 28 below) .
(See
To conclude this section on abundance, it should
be mentioned that no counts of the various selected
animals were made in the field by the researcher when
it came to establishing quadrats. First such quadrats
would be too small to allow observation of animals to
be done and secondly, even if it were possible to use
them, it would be absurd to be too proximal to such
dangerous mammals like the lion or leopard. Realizing
the difficulty involved in clearly identifying the hiding
places (if ever they were there) of the selected animals,
and bearing in mind the major objectives of the study
of assessing the state, causes, and effects of
deforestation, animals were deliberately excluded when
it came to field counts through quadrat method. The
most appropriate method to use in counting animals
would be aerial and the researcher ruled this out
as being both expensive and beyond the scope of this
study. This would perhaps open up an area for
further research.
- 114 -
TABLE 27'
Actual Counted Plants for the Wetter Higher Stations of Kericho
District and their Frequency
I Name of the Plants Sampled-
~
Ul 1 ~ ·rl~ Ul H
U
~
m ·rl Q) Ulm m ·rl 8 ." rl +lm o rl .~ ~ m 'H ·rl m ~·rl rl U H U ·rl 'H ·rl H:>
.~ :>t Ul m
~
·rl ·rl 'H Q) aJ Q) rlrl
~
Ul +l rl .~ rl
.c 8 Cl.~ Ul :>t Ul .g ,8 o N4-l Ul 0 {l 0 ·rl Ul Ul +l H 'H:>t
~ H
ro
~
(j) m s 0.. 0{l U ·rl (j) :>t cuUl
~
(j) m ~ fr {l m ·rl tJ1 Ul C'gm ~ rl ·rl Ul 2·rl m rl +l H 0 m aJ +l
ltation &1
·rl m -a §
~
m m m s § :>t ~c H 8 ·rl ·rl Q) ~~Name of the Station :>t ~ ~ 0 +l U ~ .~
~
·rl
bie No. rl rl 0 '8 cu
~
0 cu ro
~
H
~ ~ ~ Ji! +l H Q)Cl. :.:r:: I:y u Cl. U) 1:yU)
1 Kabungut 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2 Chebilat 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 2
3 Lite in 0 0 0 0 12 2 0 4 6 0 0 0 0 4
4 Kabartegan 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 2 11 0 0 0 0 3
5 Kapkatet 1 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3
6 Chesi1iot 0 0 0 0 9 2 0 6 4 0 0 0 0 4
7 Boito 0 0 0 0 19 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3
8 Mogogosiek 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 7 1 0 0 0 0 3
9 Chernoiben ':G 0 0 U 10 U 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2
10 Kaplong 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 3
11 Cheplakwet 2 1 3 0 12 2 2 0 5 1 0 0 '0 7
12 Nyongores 10 2 7 2 12 9 5 3 2 3 2 0 0 11
13 Kiplelji 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 3
14 Kipsonoi 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 8 14 0 0 0 0 3
15 Chepngaina 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 4
16 Ndarawetta 4 0 6 0 10 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4
17 Chepkutung 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3
18 Kipyosit 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 2
19 Mugango 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4
20 Tegat 1 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4
21 Kiromwok 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 2
22 Kaptoboiti 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
.
•• /2 - 115 -
Merigi 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 7 0 0 0 4 0 3
Kakibei 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1
Sosiot 0 0 0 0 19 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
~ Kiptere 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 8 ~ 5 0 0 1 0 2
~7 Koiwa 0 0 30 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3
28 Kimargis 0 0 1 0 21 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3
29 Cheptenye 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 8 5 0 0 1 0 4
30 Kapsoit 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
31 Kabianga 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3
32 Singorwet 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
33 Tumoiyot 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
34 Marinyin 0 0 0 0 90 0 0 5 16 0 0 0 0 3
35 Kapkoros 0 0 5 0 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
36 Chemaner 0 6 0 0 3 10 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 4
37 Silibwet 0 1 0 0 21 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 5
Total Number of
Plants for all 21 10 52 2 535 71 5 88 87 3 2 37 1
stations
I
'---
-116 -
ABLE 28 Actual Counted Plants for the Lower Drier Stations of
Kericho District and their Frequency
Name of the Plant Sampled
Ul
Ul i3
::l rrj
~U Hro • .--1 0 ro roo +l Ul ~ U
. .--1
~
0 Ul
• .--1 0.. . .--1 . .--1 . .--1 r-i • .--1 +l
ro .~
. .--1 Ul . .--1 a .~ 0 Ul @H r-i s:::: @ 'H r-i Q)Q) Ul r--! Q)
~
o Ul . .--1
~
. .--1 r-is Ul Q) re; @ ro Ul U H Piro >.. @ Ul Ul
~
• .--1 '-H
@ H ~ Ul
..c: 0 :5 ~
r-i £i 'H0.. r§ tJ1 U .~ .~
ro 0o ::l B ~
H
. .--1 Ul ro ro > ~ U Ul Q) Cru
j
H 8 .~ r-i ro • .--1 8 Ul £i,~ g • .--1 Q) ru § ro ffi$ro 8. :5 tJ1 c . .--1 ~ ro ro @.c ::l . .--1 ro ..c: +l Q) . .--1
~~Station Name of the Station ro . .--1 o ~
Ul Q) U Q) Ul r-i U -aQ) g . .--1 • .--1 Ul r-i ~ ~ 0 ~ roCOOe No. r-i H H a B . .--1 ~ ~ H Q)0 l=Ll 8 8: 8 0 8 ~U)
38 Lugurnek 1 0 0 0 3 3 8 0 1 0 0 0 2 6
39 Kipreres 1 0 0 0 13 1 5 0 1 1 1 0 2 8
40 Sigor 1 0 0 0 4 3 , 3 0 5 0 0 0 0 5
41 Kyogong 0 0 2 0 2 0 5 8 0 0 0 5 5 6
42 Kipkelion 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 5
43 Kaitui 0 0 ,0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 4
44 Kipsitet 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 3
I
i
45 Kanusin 0 0 0 0 i 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 10 3I
I
I
46 Tarakwa 0 0 0 ·0 I 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 2
47 Kembu 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2
48 Siongiroi 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 3
49 Chebole 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3
50 Itembe 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3
Total number of plants 3 0 12 8 2~, 18 21 11 12 1 2 14 44
for all stations
'-----
117
Cultural Traditions and Perception of Environmental
Conservation
To test the hypothesis on cultural traditions
and perceptions of environmental conservation, the
interviewees were required to respond to questions
related to environmental conservation and cultural
traditions of their people. These are indicated in
part D 1, and 2 of the questionnaire (See appendix (ii) ).
The questions asked the subjects to indicate plants and
animals they had known to be of traditional value to
their people. That way the researcher inferred whether
the people were traditionally attached to certain plants
and animals or not. Where the subject gave a plant/or
animal that was of traditional value to their people, he/
she was categorized as having affirmative answer to the
existence of traditional attachment to plants and/or
animals. Those who named neither plant nor animals were
categorized as having negative response to the existence
of traditional attachment of their people to both plants
and animals.
The number of subjects belonging to anyone category
of response (negative or positive) was then expressed as
a percentage of the total number of subjects interviewed
(which in this case was five hundred (500). Therefore,
if the number of interviewees giving a positive view
on traditional attachment of the people to either
plants or animals was represented by T , those giving
p
118
negative view by T I and the total numb~r of
n
interviewees was represented by N, then the percentages
were calculated using the following relationships:
(i) Percentage of interviewees giving
a positive view on traditional
attachment to plants and animals
(T x 100)%
P
N
(ii) Percentage of interviewees giving
a negative view on traditional
attachment to plants and animals
= (T x 100)%n
N
In both the above cases N value was five hundred
(500) because the number of subjects interviewed when
all the established stations are taken together were
five hundred. When these values were computed it was
found that all the five hundred (500) interviewees
gave a positive view while none (0) gave a negative
view regarding people's attachment to plants or animals.
Each person interviewed gave at least a plant or an
animal that is of traditional value to their people.
Consequently the percentages described above were found
to be indicated in table 25 below.
119
TABLE 29
Percentage of Interviewees with various Responses
About People's Traditional Attachment to Plants
And Animals
Category of Interviwees Percentage
(i) Percentage of interviewees giving
a positive response about people's
100%traditional attachment to plants
and animals.
(ii) Percentage of interviewees giving
a negative response about people's 0%
traditional attachment to plants
and animals
It is important to point out that although animals
and plants all along were considered separately in the
analysis process, the above area on traditional
attachment to plants and animals had the two sets of
organisms considered together. No attempt was made to
isolate responses pertaining to animals from those
pertaining to plants. .,The approach was followed because
of the way the hypothesis related to cultural traditions
was stated (See hypothesis no. 3 ln chapter 1), and the
kind of data required to test the hypothesis.
120
The traditional attachment of the people of
Kericho District to the animals and plants therein
was reflected by the way these people made use of the
organisms and their basic beliefs about them. Considering
the responses from the five hundred interviewees, several
uses of plants and animals were identified and summarized.
The major uses of plants as reported by the respondents
were mainly ceremonial and medicinal. The animals, however,
were reported to be of the following traditional value
to the people of Kericho. First encounter with certain
animals was a sign of either bad or good omen depending on
the animal encountered. Secondly certain animals were
used as clanal or family totems. Members of a certain
family could, for example, consider an animal a member of
that family or a "relative" so to speak. This would imply
that all members of that family were prohibited from
killing that particular animal, hence fostering its
conservation. This cultural belief was so entrenched
among the Kipsigis of Kericho District that even where
an animal was found to be a threat to the livestock of the
community, members of clans other than the one in question
would be the only ones allowed to kill the same animal!
Besides acting as totems, names of animals were used
when naming regiments that in historical times were very
important to the people of the region for defence purpose.
Historically the Kipsigis had four (4) established
regiments namely (i) Ngetunyo (ii) Kipkaikek (iii) Kebeni
and (iv) ~anet which acted as defence armies. Although
- 121 -
the last three names were derived from other sources
the first one originated from the animal Panthera leo
or lion (known in Kipsigis as Ngetundo). Whereas the
regiments are no longer important for defence due to
the kind of Central Government and defence methods
established, the basic organization still persits in
the minds of the people of Kericho. People still address
themselves as belonging to a particular regiment (or
more accurately as belonging to the lineage of a particular
regiment). The important thing to remember is that the
regiment named after the lion was never in any way
allowed to afflict the lion. This was seen by the
researcher as a cultural value that would foster the
conservation of the animal within the natural environment.
Finally the responses received indicated that traditionally,
people of Kericho used soun~of some birds to tell whether
rain was nearly falling or not hence, acting as weather
indicators. Although such birds were not identified the
•.
uses was clearly reported by the respondents. To illustrate
the traditional uses of plants and animals described above
the following tables (table 30 and 31) were developed
from the responses received.
Sample Plants of Traditional use to the People of Kericho
N
N
r-1
Botanical Name of the Plant Family Kipsigis Name Use
l. Croton macrostacyus Euphorbiaceae Tebeswet Ceremonial
~.
2 . Periploca linearifolia Asclepiadaceae Sinendet Ceremonial
3 • Podocarpus milanjianus Podocarpaceae Saptet Ceremonial
4. Hagenia abyssinica Rosaceae Bondet Medicinal
5 . Fagara Magrophylla Rutaceae Sakawaita Medicinal
6 • Warbugia ugandensis Canellaceae Soket Medicinal
7. Pentas longiflora Rubiaceae Cheroriet Medicinal
123
Note:
Only a few of the mentioned plants have been listed in the
table above so as to serve as an illustration of their
traditional uses among the people of Kericho. An
exhaustive list is not given due to overlapping uses
identified. The same was done for the animals listed
in table 31 below.
TABLE 31
Sample Animals of Traditional use to the People
of Kericho
Name of the Animal Kipsigis Name Traditional Use I
l. Panthera leo
(Lion) Ngetundo nomenclature
2. Cephalophus
monticola(duiker) Cheptirgichet Bad omen
3. Owl Sugurut ~ Bad omen
4. Tragelaphus
scriptus Boinet Bad omen
(bush buck) I
5. Panthera pardus
(Leopard) Chaplanget Totemal
6. Crane Kong'onyot Totemal
7 • Hawk Chepkokosiot Bad or good omen
depending on posture
8. Wood pecker Kiptiltiliet Produces good
omen sound
124
use to the people of Kericho or not. Based on their
To assess the people's perceptions of environmental
conservation the interviewees were asked to indicate
whether there were any animals and plants that were
culturally prohibited from careless destruction among
those that had been indicated as being of traditional
rysponses the researcher inferred the kind of perception
prevalent among the people. Where the percentage of those
giving "yes" was high, positive view of environmental
conservation was inferred to be high and vice versa
Responses obtained indicated that people of
Kericho traditionally prohibited certain plants and
animals from careless destruction. Some of the plants
and animals prohibited from careless destruction are
listed in tables l£ and 2l respectively.
Table 32
Plants that were Traditionally Prohibited
From Careless Destruction
Botanical Name* Kipsigis Name Reason for Probition
1. Hagenia abyssinica Bondet Medicinal & ornamental
2. Podocarpus milanjianus Saptet Ceremonial
3. Croton macrostachyus Tebeswet Ceremonial
4. Periploca linearifolia Sinendet Ceremonial
5. Fagara magrophylla Sakawaita Medicinal
* The family names of these plants were indicated in
table lQ above and in the list shown by appendix (iii) at
the end of this study.
125
TABLE 33
From Careless Destruction
Animals that were Traditionally Prohibited
Name of the Animal Kipsigis Name Reason for Prohibition
l. Crane Kong I onyot Totemal*
2. Wood pecker Kiptiltiliet Sign of good omen
3. Panthera leo
(Lion) Ngetundo Totemal
~
*certain totemal animals were only prohibited to a particular
group of people_those that took them as totems.
To get the percentages needed for comparison,
counts were made of positive and negative responses
and values obtained expressed as a percentage of the
total number of subjects interviewed. If the total
number of interviewees stating that there were plants
and animals prohibited from destruction was represented
by C , those stating "no" as the answer C , and the totaly n
number of subjects interviewed was represented by N,
then, the percentages described above were computed by
using the following formulae:
(i) Percentage of interviewees stating that
some plants and animals were prohibited from
destruction
(C x 100)%y
N
126
(ii) Percentage of interviewees stating
that no plant or animal of the ones
named was prohibited from careless
destruction
= (C x 100)%n
N
In both cases the value of N was five hundred (500).
While interpreting the values obtained one should recall
that only those plants and animals that had been named
as being of traditional value to the people were involved.
This restricted the respondents to a relatively narrower
domain when deciding on the information required by the
question. Following the procedure described above,
percentages were culculated and the results obtained are
as shown in tables 34 below.
TABLE34
Percentage Values for the Various Categories of
Responses regarding Prohibition of ~areless Destruction
of Plants and Animals
Type of Total Number Percentage
Response of responses of respondents
No 160 32%
YES 340 68%
-
N 500
127
Comparing the percentage values obtained, it
was possible to assess people's perception towards
environmental conservation.
Environmental Awareness and Mode. (with rate)of
Information D~ssemination
The fourth area to be considered is that defined
by the fourth opjective stated (see chapter 1 objective 4)
The ~bjective was formulated so as to give a basis of,
assessing differences in levels of environmental
awareness among the people of Kericho between the present
and the past (over twenty years ago). While collecting
data needed to achieve the objective, modes of information
dissemination were also sought for and recorded.
To elicit the necessary information from the
subjects regarding level of environmental awareness,
a question was designed that required them to rate
the level of information dissemination, both for the
past*(over twenty years ago) and the present~* The
alternative responses were given in form of a Likert
Scale as follows: very poor, poor, moderate, good, and
very good and responses attained were categorized accordingly
(See appendix (ii) part E question 1). After recording the
individual responses, frequency of each category of response
(i.e. high level or low level) was determined. The deciding
level was moderate as earlier used. Where the subject
* - Past refers to the period before and including 1968
**- Present refers to 1988.
128
rated the level of information dissemination as very
poor,-~oor, or moder~te, the rating would be categorized
as "low level of information dissemina~ion" and where
the response was high or very high, the rating was
categorized as being under "high level of information
dissemination". Based on the frequencies found, the
percentage values were computed for the two categories
of responses but separately for the past and the present
periods of time. Therefore if the frequency of the
interviewees giving "low level" category of responses
for the present, was represented by fl ,those glvingpr
"high level" category of responses fh ,and the totalpr
number of people interviewed represented by N, then
percentages described above about present time were computed
by using the following formulae:
(i) Percentage of interviewees categorizing
level of information dissemination for
the present as "low level"
(flpr x 100)%
N
(ii) Percentage of interviewees categorizirig
level of information dissemination
for the present as "high level"
(fhpr x 100)%
N
129
Where N in both cases was five hundred (500).
Following the same procedure the percentage values for
responses on the past (over twenty years ago) was
"low level" category of responses f~r the past was
calculated. If the frequency of interviewees giving
represented by fl ' those giving "high level" responsespa
fhpa' and the total number of people interviewed
respresented by N, then the precentages about the past
were computed as follows:
level of information dissemination
(i) percentage of interviewees categorizing
for the past as "low level"
= (fl x 100)%pa
N
(ii) Percentage of interviewees categorizing
level of information dissemination for
the past as "high level"
= (fh .x 100)%pa
N
Where N in both cases was five hundred (500) as
mentioned above.
130
The percentage values obtained through the above
methods were tabulated so as to facilitate comparison of
the various responses received regarding the past and
present. The results obtained are given in table 35
below. Whereas the level of information dissemination
may not have a hundred percent positive correlation with
environmental awareness, it was assumed, when interpreting
the results, that higher level of information
dissemination would imply ready access of the people to
the information regarding environmental issues. Hence it
would be justified to relate the percentages obtained
on categorizing of responses to environmental awareness
of the people of the District. The following are the
results obtained.
TABLE 35
Levels of Information Dissemination~ in Kericho District
for the Presen~ and Pas~*(over twenty years ago).
Period - Present Past (over 20 years)
Category Low level High level Low level High level
of dissemina- dissemina- dissemina- dissemina-
response - tion tion tion tion
Frequency
of 225 275 310 190
response -
Percentage
of c.t.he 45% 55% 62% 38%
response -
1-.
(U) = N = 500
* - Present refers to 1988
** - Past refers to the period before and including 1968.
131
The values indicated above facilitated the
discussion in chapter five of this report.
Since informatd..ondissemination was considered
an impo~tant indicator of the level of environmen~hl•.
awareness among the people of Kericho District, the
actual means of relaying such information was seen
paramount in the overall assessment of such an
awareness. To get data on means of information relay,
the researcher identified certain means of communicating
environmental issues to the people. Those identified
were, Radio, Chief's baraza, Seminars,Tapes, films,
Television, Newspapers and Class teacher. These were
then given inform of a question that the respondents
were required to react to. The actual question is seen
in Section E of the questionnaire (see appendix (ii) part
E no 2 ). The interviewee was required to tick ('V)
against the means through which information gets to him
or her. Because the list was not exhaustive, a category
of "others" was included. To this, however, the
interviewee was required to specify the additional source
of information. In responding to the question, the
respondents were not restricted on how many sources were
ticked. Based on the responses obtained, the various
sources and means of information dissemination were
compared. To facilitate comparison, the frequency of
the respondents selecting anyone means of communication
was expressed as a percentage of the total people
- 132
interviewed. That way the more common mode of
information dissemination would easily be identified.
anyone source of information
If the frequency of respondents giving anyone source
of information was represented by F , and the totals
number of interviewees represented by N, then, the
percentage in each case was found by the following
relationship:
Percentage of interviewees selecting
= (F x 100)%s
N
In all the sources identified the value of N was
five hundred (500). It will be realized that no
information of this kind was collected for the past
(period over 20 years). The current situation was
conceived by the researcher as being more relevant than
that of the past especially when it comes to advising
the government planners and administrators. Once all
the computations had been done the values were tabulated
and the results are seen in table 36 below:
13-3-
in Kericho District
TABLE 36
Methods and Sources of Receiving Information,
Methods of Frequency of Percentage of
Communication responses (f) responses
l. Radio 380 76.0%
2. Chief's Baraza 95 19.0%
3. Seminars 10 2.0%
4. Tapes 0 0.0%
5. Films 0 0.0%
6. T.V. 1 0.2%
7. Newspapers 5 1.0%
8. Class teacher 1 0.2%
9. Others 8 2.0%
N 500
The results tabulated above gave an easy way of
comparing the various modes of information dissemination
to the people. Based on the results one would easily
identify areas where improvement was required as regards
information dissemination. Discussion of the results
is made in chapter five of this report.
134
Summary Information About Analysis Made
In this chapter, analysis of data related
to rate of deforestation within KerichoDistrict,
relative abundance of certain named plants and animals,
cultural traditions and perception of Environmental
Conservation, and environmental awareness and mode of
information dissemination, have all been discussed in
detail. Tables of results of the data collected about
these issues have also been given. The results
will now guide discussion on the issues under investi-
gation.
report.
This has been done in chapter five of this
- 135
REFERENCES
Ary, J.D. and Razavieh, L.C., An Introduction to
Research in Education: Holt, Rinhard and
Winston, Inc., 1972.
Best, W.J. Research in Education, Prentice-Hall Inc.
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1977.
Bogdan, R.C. and Biklen, S.K. Qualitative Research
for Education: An introduction to Theory
and Methods; Allyn and Bacon Inc. Boston,
London, Sydney, Toronto, 1982.
Journal of Ecology Vol. 47, No. 3 Nov. 1986.
Kerlinger Ed. Review of Research in Education
Peacock Publishers, Inc. Itasca, Illinois,
1974.
Nisbell, J.D. and Entiwistle, N. J., Educational
Research in Action, University of London
Press, 1973.
Travers, R. M. W. An Introduction of Educational
Research, MacMillan Publishing Company
Inc. New York, 1978.
136
Weisgerber, Ed. Instructional process and media
Innovations, Rand and MacNally & Company
Chicago, 1968.
Wilkes, F.M. Elements of Operational Research
McGraw Hill Book Company, London,
New York, 1980.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
This chapter deals with conclusions based on the
findings of the study. To be able to arrive at t~e
conclusions, a summary of the original objectives and
procedure is given so as to relate the objectives to the
findings. In the light of the findings and conclusions
made, the implication of the study upon conservation
plans is also given. Included in this chapter, are
the recommendations seen as being useful to those who
plan for environmental conservation and indeed those
who implement the plans. In outline form the chapter
is structured into the following subtopics:
i) Summary of the study.
ii) Conclusions based on the stated objectives
iii) Implications and recommendations.
iv) Suggestions for further research.
Each of the above areas will now be considered in
detail.
Summary of the Study
It will by now have been made clear that the main
objective of the study was to assess the state of the
environment in Kericho District in as far as
deforestation and decimation of biota are concerned.
1.,,3 8 -
The study also aimed at establishing the level of
environmental awareness among the inhabitants of the
District. Deforestation, decimation of biota and
lack of environmental awareness among the people have
all been recognized worldwide as being the most common
agents of environmental imbalance.
That forests are of extreme importance to man
is a matter that need not be argued. Under literature
review forests were said to act as:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Watersheds,
Stores of genetic resources,
Protectors against soil erosion and floods,
Climatic stabilizers,
Biological standards to compare with adjacent
land used for different purposes,
Carbondioxide "sinks",
Resources of tourist attraction, and
an important energy source needed by most
rural communities for cooking.
Despite all the above uses, man throughout the world,
has been found to destroy forests at an alarming rate.
Because of this increased rate of deforestation throughout
the world, the study was designed to check its extent
in Kericho District as an example of the other regions
of the world. Rapid rate of deforestation causes
(vi)
(vii)
(Viii)
-139 -
increased exposure of land surface to various
erosional agents notable of which being water and
wind. Where this occurs, rapid soil loss and
impoverishment as well as desertification becomes
imminent. Deforestation also causes disturbance of
otherwise normal water (hydrological) and nutrient
cycles within the environment hence affecting natural
interreLationships within that particular ecosystem.
A remedy to the rapid rate of deforestation would be
a correspondingly rapid rate of afforestation in
areas where clearance is done. Although this has
been dope in many parts of the world, two problems
were noticed in connection with this solution as was
reflected in the related literature. First, the
afforestation done involved only one type of exotic
plant in most cases eucalyptus, cypress, pines, or
wattle trees. The same was noticed in the study area.
Large plantations of a single tree become highly
susceptible to diseases - a problem confirmed to be
true world over. The second problem noted was the rate
at which aiiorestation went on in the affected
areas. Data presented in this connection (see table
10) indicate that afforestation lagged far behind the
rate of deforestion. The implication is that every
year, there is "residual" land surface where tree
planting should have been done but has not due to the
140
slower rate of afforestation relative to deforestation.
Consequently, the amount of land deprived of forests
ann~ally becomes larger and larger. It is these latent
problems that prompted the researcher to design study
to investigate the state of deforestation in Kericho
District.
Decimation of biota from a natural environment is
another area that has been recognized by conservationists
as deserving considerable attention. Because of human
activities (e.g. cultivation, poa~hing, charcoal burning
etc) certain plants and animals have been pushed to
near extinction and in extreme cases have been found to
have altogether vanished from the environment. Whereas
some of the human activities are justified, and indeed
indispensable, no excuse whatsoever can be advanced to
those who contribute to the ultimate extinction of
either a plant or an animal. Literature reviewed on
this issue indicated that both plant and animals could
fall into the list of endangered or extinct species
and examples abound for these. Fitzroya cupressoides
(Alerce), a plant largely restricted to the slopes of
Andes, was for example reported by Veblen et. al.
(1971) to have been overexploited by man for timber
so much so that only small remn~ts persisted of the
once extensive forests of the tree. To illustrate how
animals could heavily be destroyed, Jackson (1982)
141
reported that Kenya at the time had lost ninety percent
( 90% ) of her black rhino (Diceros bicornis)
particularly due to poaching. He further pointed
out that numbers had sharply fallen everywhere and
that protection of both the species and its habitat
was necessary if any successful conservation was to be
realized. Without having to recite the entire literature
reviewed in chapter two of this report one thing comes
out very clearly and that is plants and animals are
being decimated through the devastating human hand.
Consequently, man's activities must carefully be
monitored so as to reduce the occurance of plant and
animal extinction within the natural environment. This
is critical when it is realized that plants and animals
have vital roles to play in the proper £unctioning of
an ecosystem.
In an 'ecosystemwhere natural exchangeof nutrients occurs and
where sun's energy flows throughit, plants and animals occupy key positions
within it. Green plants for example act as "producers"
because they convert sun's energy into storable form
of energy that can be used by the rest members of
the ecosystem. The animals on the other hand act as
"consumers" of what has been stored in plants in form
of carbohydrates, proteins, fats etc. Because of
the importance of this interrelationship within an
ecosystem, plants and animals play important roles
in the resultant food chain that is so indispensable
142
for the proper functioning of an ecosystem. In view
of all these an investigation into the rate and extent
of decimation of biota from a natural environment was
found inevitable when designing the study.
Provision of relevant environmental information as
well as appropriate means of commu~icating it enhances
environmental awareness among the people. Such an
awareness would greatly enhance environmental conservation
as well as the implementation of proposed conservation plans.
The study was designed so as to establish the level
of environmental awareness of the people as well as
the state of information dissemination within Kericho
District.
Perception is the final aspect considered in the
study. People's perception of the entire environment
affect their overal attitudes towards environmental
conservation. Perceptions that go against conservation
plans (be it of plants or animals) cause undoubted
failure of the plans and vice versa. Literature
reviewed indicate that certain communities culturally
valued specific plants or animals. Where this occured,
they were reported to have positively responded to the
conservation of those organisms. Similar cases were
143
identified during the study (see tables 30 and 31.)
and will be discussed later in this chapter. Having
considered the various aspects dealt with in the study
the specific objectives will now be considered.
Specifically the study was intended to:
1) '. "Jdetermine the extent of 'deforestation .-
in Kericho District.
2) identify the major reasons for deforestation
in the District.
3) identify those floral and faunal species
that are endangered within the District.
4) identify the conservation measures taken
to safeguard the forests in the District.
5) identify major causes of elimination of
plants and animals within the District.
6) identify (if any) attitudes and perceptions
of the people of the District that would
reinforce or go against the conventional
conservation measures for soil, natural
forests and endangered plant and animal species.
7) determine the state of environmental awareness
of the people of Kericho District.
8) identify the most common means of communicating
environmental information within the District.
To be able to achieve the above goals, four
- 144 -
objectives were set and these encompassed all the
areas described under statement of the problem.
The objectives were stated thus:-
(i) To study the magnitude of deforestation
,
of both the past* and present** in Kericho
District.
(ii) To investigate the change in relative
abundance of certain named ***plants and
animals in Kericho District.
(iii) To study the cultural traditions of the people
of Kericho District with respect to conservation
of certain plants and animals.
(iv) To study the exposure of environmental Education
of Both the past and present among the people
of Kericho District.
*** The names of the selected plants and animals for any
location in the District are shown in the tables of
results included in chapter four of this report
(see also appendices (iii) and (iv).
** present refers to 1988
* past refers to period before and including 1968.
- 145
Statement of the problem in form of objectives,
above greatly helped in choosing the kind of data needed
as well as the procedure for collecting them. Elsewhere;
in this report it was mentioned that two instruments
were chosen for use during the data collection. These
were the questionnaire and observation record sheet.
Already the two instruments have fully been described
in chapter three of this report and their sample topics
are shown in appendices (i)and(ii). at the end of the
report. The observation record sheet was quite useful
in tabulating and summarizing observations made in the
field. The questionnaire on the other hand was used to
gather information needed from the respondents which
was seen as being relevant for achieving the stated
objectives. Specifically it was used to elicit information
pertaining to:
a) Magnitude of deforestation in Kericho District at
present as compared to twenty (or over) years
ago.
b) relative abundance of certain named plants
and animals listed in appendkes (iii) and (iv)
and also shown by plated 2 and 1 respectively.
c) cultural traditions and environmental perceptions
of the people of Kericho District.
146
d) current exposure of environmental education
of the people of Kericho as compared to what
used to happen twenty (or more) years ago.
e) major causes, effects and remedies of
deforestation and decimation of plants.
The above two instruments were quite useful because
collection and presentation of data from the
respondents were made easy while at the same time
subjectivity was reduced to the minimum when
interviewing them. This view is consistent with that
of other researchers (Walker, 1985). Field testing
of the intruments was done inform of a pilot study
done prior to the actual study. Based on the pilot
study, items finally included in the questionnaire and the
observation record sheet were selected.
The information collected was from five hundred
(500) respondents spread all over Kericho District.
Because of diversified environmental conditions, Kericho
District was for convenience, divided into two ecological
zones namely 'Wetter Higher Zone' and 'Drier Lower Zone.'
To obtain the five hundred (500) subjects, fifty (50)
nodal points were randomly chosen which means for each
nodal point only ten (10) interviewees were chosen.
- 147
The important thing to note is that the study points
were randomly selected but the actual people interviewed
were just picked by the researcher. The specific
procedure of selecting the study points ( or nodal
points) is described in detail in chapter three of this
report. Because of the establishment of two ecological
zones within the District, the selected nodal points
were automatically categorized into two lots and in all
thirty seven (37) fell into the Wetter Higher Zone while
thirteen (13) fell into the Drier Lower Zone. Interpre-
tation of the collected data, therefore, was based on
the ecological zones established. Another important
element that was considered in selecting the interviewees
was that of length of time one had lived in the study
area. Only those who had lived for twenty or more years
were chosen for the study irrespective of their sex.
Once assembled inform of completed questionnaires,and
observation record sheets, the data were subjected to
thorough analysis. The analysis made gave a basis of
making appropriate conclusion on the objectives stated.' It
will be recalled that the objectives dealt with four bro~d
areas namely, magnitude of deforestation, relative abundanceof
plants and animals, cultural traditions and perception
of environmentill conservation among the people of Kericho
District, and finally environmental awareness with
148
different modes of information dissemination within
the District. Toarri ve at·_the-conclusions 'several, corrputations
were done on the raw data obtained through the use of
a questionnaire and observation sheet. These included
the computation of frequencies, totals, means, and
•.
percentages. The kind of calculation made depends on
the parameters and ~objective under investigation.
Since several parameters were involved in the stated
ob:iec"tivesand that several calculations were done in the
process of testing these, it is recommended that discussion
on conclusions made be considered in the next section of
the study.
It should b~.noted however, that detailed procedu~e of
data anaylsis as well as specific variables, results
and method of interpretation are fully described
in Chapter four of the study. The collected data
presents the Status quo of the environment at anyone
time either the past or present. In designing the
study the major thing to establish, therefore, was
the relative difference between two points in time i.e. past
and present as far as the chosen environmental issues
were concerned. What is being justified here is the
exclusion of levels of significance from the study.
Nevertheless decision levels were established for
distinguishing between stated opinions of the respondents
and these are clearly stated in chapter four and also
reflected in the next section of the report. It is
149
important that in assessing the state of the
environment, people should report on its actual state
at the time and avoid imposing outside standards of judging
the ampiitude of the destruction therein.
In summary form, the findings of the study indicate
that:
(i) Kericho District presently faces a serious
threat of deforestation because it is
now higher than in the past.
because of habitat destruction in form of
deforestation) animals have reduced in
(ii)
number everywhere within the District.
(iii) abundance of plants within the District
has been reduced as well as their species
diversity.
(iv) People's perception and cultural traditions
are supportive of conservation measures
of plants and animals.
(v) whereas people of Kericho District are now
more exposed to environmental education
than in the past twenty (or over) years
ago, the available channels of communicating
150
the information to them are still
underuti.lised.
The foregoing paragraphs have giventhe.entire
•.
study in a summarized form. In this brief summary,
background to the study, objectives of the study,
variables 'involved, instruments used and· their
administration, data collection together with their
analysis, and finally research findings have all been
discussed. In the section that follow, conclusions based
on the stated obiectives are discussed. This will
definitely open up way for more generalized discussions on
the findings of the study.
Conclusions Based on the Stated.Objectives
Already it has been mentioned that four objectives
were formulated for this study and these dealt with
four broad areas namely: magnitude of deforestation, ·relative
abundance of named plants and animals, cultural tradition
and environmental perception, and finally environmental
awareness and information dissemination. To be able
to make proper conclusions, the four aspects were
considered in turns. While doing this, the objective
related to each aspect was stated and corresponding
findings discussed. Finally conclusion on the stated
151
Objective was made based on the findings of the study.
The various aspects will now be considered.
(i) Magnitud~ of-deforestatioti-of the past twenty years
(or more) as compared to the present
The ob j ect i,ve to be considered concerning -the.-magnitute of
deforestation was stated thus:
"To study the magnitude of both the
.past ' and present in Kericho -D-is'trictn•
In formulating the. objective the basic assumption was
that deforestation actually existed in Kericho District
both at present and in the past. The first step in
dealing with'it therefore, was to confirm whether
the assumption was true or not. To confirm this, the
subjects were required to respond to either of the
following two views: First, that large forests
existed in the past and presently not there and second,
that large forests were not there but presently are
there. The first view obviously implies that deforestation
is actually prevallent within the District. While the
second implies afforestation or conservation .',Counts_were
made of the respondents holding anyone view and
percentages computed as described in chapter four
152
of this report. The summarized information on the
issue is shown in table 13. Looking at the values
obtaine~,four hundred and ninety (~90) respondents or
ninety eight percent of the subjects stated that large
forests existed in the past but have now disappeared
while only ten (10) or two percent stated that large
forests were not there in the past but are now present.
Because of the findings, it is concluded that deforestation
actually exist in Kericho District and that majority of
the people are aware of it. Consequently the assumption
was confirmed to be true. The other aspect was that
of occurance of forests where they did not exist before.
The two percent that gave the view that forests have
sprang up where they did not exist before would represent
the category of people reporting conservation and/or
afforestation. Having confirmed the assumption to hold,
the findings of the study pertaining to it may now be
discussed.
In comparing the magnitude of deforestation of the past
and that of the present, it was necessary to classify the
responses of the subjects using a Likert scale. The
subjectswere required to assess the magnitude of deforestation
for both the past and the present using a scale that had
the alternatives very low, low, moderate, high, and
very high. To quantify their responses,percentages
of the various categories as well as their frequencies
- 153 -
were computed as described in page 82. That way the
responses of the subjects could quantitatively be
assessed. The major thing to compute was the percentage
value of responses for each of the two periods of time
(i.e. past and present). The detailed procedure for
computing the percentage in each case is shown in
chapter four and will not be repeated here. However, it
is relevant to mention that decisions on the findings,
were based on set levels of very low, low, moderate and
High, very high.Where the response was very high and high
it was categorized as indicating a more general opinion
that magnitude of deforestation was high while the
response of very low, low, and moderate, was indicative
of lower magnitude of deforestation within the District.
On that basis, conclusions were made on the objective.
The summary of the results obtained are shown in table 11.
Categorizing and calculating percentages of the opinions
of five hundred (500) respondents for the past, gave a
basis of comparing both the frequencies as well as the
percentages of the responses. Similarly the same would be
observed regarding the responses about the present. Using
the set levels mentioned above the following maybe concluded:
Magnitude of deforestation in Kericho District is higher
at present than it was twenty (or over) years ago.
- 154'
Consequently, the stated objective on magnitude of
deforestation is accomplished. It~is important to mention
that data shown in table 11, also indicate that
deforestation is a phenomenon that went on in the past
and not only restricted to the present. However,
according to the responses received, deforestation is
more common now than in the past.
To illustrate the structure of the individual
responses both for the past and the present, the same
set levels mentioned above were used. The individual
opinion of each respondent was -categorised
whether belonginy-to that of high rate of deforestation or
low rate of deforestation. The same was done for the
past and the present. After this was done a summary was
made and given in tabular form. This was seen very
important in reinforcing the conclusions made regarding
magnitude of deforestation for the two periods of time. Use
of averages usually mask certain internal differences
of the individual responses (or subjects). Since this
was recognized, an attempt was made to compute frequencies
of various categories of responses so as to reinforce
the conclusion earlier taken regarding the objective.
The actual procedure of arriving at the scores and
frequencies is described fully in chapter four and the
summary of the information obtained is shown in table
- 155
12 within the same chapter. Looking at the frequencies
and percentages displayed in table 12, the following
conclusions maybe made:
a) According to majority (sixty one percent) of
the respondents,magnitude of·deforestation was low
in the pas~ while minority (thirty nine percent,)
held the view that magnitude of deforestation was
high.
b) Majority (fifty two percent,) of the respondents
stated that magnitude of deforestation is presently
high while minority (forty eight percent) felt
that the magnitude is presently low.
Therefore whereas internal differences exist as
is indicated by the data in table 12, the conclusion
ma.de on the stated objective is further confirmed.
The final aspect assessed while ..dealing wi\~~_.the maqn i,tude
of deforestation was that of extent of deforestation within
the District. The subjects were required to indicate
whether the existing forests had reduced in extent or
••they are still the same. Here the researcher restricted
himself to the existing forests and left aside those
that had already been destroyed. Based on the subjects'
- 156
,
responses, a frequency table was developed that
indicated the number of respondents stating reduced
extent of forests and those that held the view that
forests remained the same. The obtained table is
displayed as table 14. In it both the absolute
frequency value of the respondents and their
corresponding percentages are given. The procedure of
computing the percentages is clearly described in
chapter four of the report. From the values shown the
following conclusion may be made, that existing forests
have reduced in extent since majority (ninety nine
percent), of the respondents gave that opinion. The
view of the remaining one percent was that forests as
they are now have remained the same. This could be
explained by conservation of such forests or controlled
exploitation. The above conclusion further reinforces the
view that deforestation is currently widely experienced
in the environment.
Summary conclusions on deforestation within the District
From the findings of the study conclusions made on
deforestation within Kericho District may be summarized
as follows:
a) Deforestation is a common phenomenon within
the District.
- 157 -
b) Majority of the forests within Kericho
District have reduced in size.
c) The present magnitude of deforestation
within Kercho District is higher than
it was twenty (or over) years ago.
(ii) Relative Abundance of Certain named Plants and Animals
The sampled plants and animals are shown in appendices (iii)
and (iV) and plates 2 and 1 respectively. The
objective to be considered in connection with
relative abundance of the plants and animals was
stated as follows:-
"To investigate the change in relative abundance of
Certain named plants and animals in Kericho District."
The names of the animals and plants selected are those
mentioned above. To assess the plant's or animal's
abundance a five point opinionnaire scale was used. The
respondents were required to indicate their own assessment
of the relative abundance of the chosen plants and animals.
The assessment was to be done for both the past (over twenty
years) and the present. The respons~s received were then
categorized as per the scale used. The alternatives offered
by the scale were none,few, moderate, many and very many
and each response was categorized depending on its position
on the scale. Because five hundred (500) subject were
15.8
interviewed in th 50 established study points, appropriate
percentages'were determined follo~ing the
procedure described in chapter four. The
same was done for both plants and animals. Since two
ecological zones were established namely Wetter Higher
Zone and Drier Lower Zone, the ~ercentages
for both zones were computed
using the total selected points for that zone. Here
it will be recalled that the number of selected nodal
points for the Wetter Higher Zone and the Drier Lower
Zone were thirty seven (37) and thirteen (13) respectively.
Hence calculations were done using the corresponding
total value of the nodal points selected. The procedure
for determining the percentage values required is
described in chapter four under analysis of data. When
all computations had been done, values obtained were
tabulated so as to ease comparison. Percentages obtaifted for
plants for the two established zones are indicated in
tables 15 and 16 while the percentages obtained for the animals
for the same zonffiare given in tables 17 and 18. On
comparing I values for all the stations in any
one of the zones, conclusions were made on the individual
plant and animal regarding their relative abundance. The
basis for conclusion on the relative change in abundance
was comparison of the percentage values of the past and
those of the present as displayed in tables 15, 16, 17,
- 159-
and 18. In addition, percentages of number of stations
where the plant or animal was reported were computed for
both periods and zones. Values obtained are recorded in
tables 19,20,21, and 22. Out of these percentages
differences in number of stations reporting each organism,
was calculated. The procedure for computing the percentages
is fully described under analysis of data. The results
obtained are presented in tables 23 24 25 and 26., , It wilJ be
recalled that the "signs" behind the numbers indicated in
the tables (i.e. minus (-) or plus (+) ) represented the
nature of change in the abundance of stations while the
numerical value would give the magnitude of change. From
the values displayed in tables 15 - 26 the following general
observations can be made:
Observation on plants
a) In the ecological zone designated Wetter Higher Zone,
except for the plant Juniperus procera which on the
average was assessed as being absent all the sampled
plants indicated reduction in abundance.
b) In the same ecological zone mentioned in (a) above two
plants, Strombosia scheffleri and Podocarpus milanjianus
had the lowest magnitude of change in abundance when
Juniperus procera is put aside.
c) In terms of frequency within the sampled nodal points in
the Wetter Higher Zone, Juniperus procera was the plant
with least percentage of nodal points
~60
~
in which it was reported to be·present (for the past
it was reported to have been present in only one out
of thirty seven (37) nodal points while for the
present no respondent indicated it to be present
in anyone station).
d) Croton macrastachyus is the only plant among the
sampled ones whose presence was reported in all the
nodal points within Wetter Higher Zone. This was
reported in all stations both for the past and the
present.
e) Acacia lahai was reported to be a plant whose
reduction in abundance was the greatest when the
Wetter Higher Zone is considered.
f) In the ecological zone designated Drier Lower Zone
all the thirteen sampled plants indicated reduction
in abundance.
g) Within the Drier Lower Zone, the plants that were
reported to be present in the least number of
stations were: Olea africana, Juniperus procera
and Diospyrus abyssinica, basing the percentages
on reports about the past.
l~
Observations on animals
From the data collected on animals the following
observations can be made:
a) In the Wetter Higher Zone all the animals sampled
indicated a reduction in abundance when responses
on both the past and present are considered.
b) Of the thirteen animals sampled for study in the
Wetter Higher Zone, Cephalophus monticola
experienced the greatest reduction in abundance.
c) Francolinus coqui was the only one of the sampled
animals that was reported to be present in all the
sampled study points for the Wetter Higher Zone.
d) In the Drier Lower Zone all the animals sampled
indicated a reduction in abundance.
e) Within the Drier Lower Zone, Lepus crawshayi is the
~
animal whose reduction in abundance was reported to
be greatest and followed closely by that of
Cephalophus monticola and Tragelaphus scriptus.
f) Whereas ten out of the thirteen selected animals
were reported to have been present in the past in all the
thirteen nodal points within the Drier Lower
Zone, no single animal was reported to be
currently present in all of the established
nodal points.
h) Panthera leo and_xncerus caffer according to the
respondents are now no longer found in the Drier
Lower Zone of the District.
Considering, all the above observations, the objective
stated with respect to abundance is covered and
is concluded that a significant change in relative
abundance of plants and animals in Kericho District
has taken place. The change reported to have taken
place is either reduction of the animal/plant or
a total elimination of the plant/animal from the
environment.
The conclusion made above on the abundqnce of
plants and animals was based on the responses
obtained from the respondents. Further confirmation
was made on the results when actual field observations
were considered. As mentioned earlier plants
were the only ones counted by the researcher since
animal counts were considered to be beyond the scope
- 163
of this study. Results of the actual counts of
plants for the two established ecological zone are
indicated in tables 2~ and 28. From the results the
following observations can be made:
a) Considering the plant frequency within the Wetter
Higher Zone, no station had a hundred percent
frequency of the sampled plants.
b) Of all the thirty seven (37) selected stations
within the Wetter Higher Zone, Nyongores was the
one with the highest plant frequency with eleven
out of the thirteen selected plants being present.
This is understandable when it is realized that
it is one of the most proximal stations to the Mau
Forest Reserve.
c) Taking total counts obtained for each sampled plant
within the thirty seven (37) established nodal
points of the Wetter Higher Zone, the plant with
the highest number is Croton macrostachyus while
that with the lowest number is Juniperus procera.
This confirms what was earlier concluded from the
opinions of the respondents.
d) Other plants found in very low numbers within
Wetter Higher Zone were Strombosia scheffleri,
Aningeria adolfi, Podocarpus milanjianus
and Allophylus abyssinicus.
e) For the Drier Lower Zone of Kericho District,
out of the thirteen selected stations none had a
hundred percent frequency of the thirteen sampled
plants with Kipreres having the highest frequency
of eight out of thirteen selected plants.
f) Juniperus procera was the plant with the lowest
number in the Drier Lower Zone. While that with
the highest counts was Acokanthera friesiorum.
Other plants with very low counts included
Diospyrus abyssinica, Teclea simplicifolia, and
Olea africana.
Summary Conclusion on the Relative Abundance of Plants
and Animals
Based on field observation and responses from the
respondents, it is concluded that "there has been a
efuange in relative abundance of plants
and animals in Kericho District". The specific
observation and conclusions have been given in the
text.
165
(iii) Cultural Traditions and Perceptions of
Environmental Conservation
Cultural traditions and environmental perceptions
was seen as being very important and was found worth
assessing among the people of Kericho. To assess these
parameters the following objective was formulated:
"To study the cultural traditions
of the people of Kericho District
with respect to conservation of
certain plants and animals."
To investigate the objective on cultural traditions of the
people and their perceptions of environmental
conservation, the respondents were required to respond
to questions related to environmental conservation and
cultural traditions. Specificantly the subjects were
asked to indicate plants and/or animals that were
known to them as being of traditional value . It was from
•.
this that the researcher inferred whether the people were
traditionally attached to the animals and plants or not.
Where the subject gave a plant and/or animal that was of
traditional value to the people, he/she was categorized
as having affirmative answer to the existence of
traditional attachment to plants and/or animals.
1.66
Those who named neither plant nor animal were categorized
as having given negative responses. The percentage of
negative and positive responses were then calculated
using the total number of interviewees (which was
five hundred). The procedure for computing percentages
of either positive or negative responses is fully
described in chapter four under analysis of data. The
obtained percentages were given in a tabular form so as
to facilate comparison. (see table29 ). From the
values displayed in the table, a hundred percent (100%) of
the interviewees gave a positive view while zero percent
(0%) or none gave a negative response about people's
traditional attachment to plants and animals.
Consequently, on the aspect of traditional attachment
to plants the respondents unanimously agreed that such
an attachment existed among the people of Kericho
District.
The other aspect of the objective stated was
that of perception of environmental conservation. To
assess this the interviewees were asked to state whether
there was any animal and/or plant that was culturally
prohibited from careless destruction among those named
as being of traditional use to the people of Kericho
District. From the responses received the kind of
167
perception prevalent among the people was inferred.
Where percentage of those giving "yes" was high,
positive view of environmental conservation was
inferred to be high and vice versa. The procedure
for computing the percentages needed are described
in chapter four of this study. Responses obtained'
indicated that both animals and plants were prohibited
from careless destruction.
The plants and animals probibited from careless
destruction are listed in tables 28 and 29 respecti-
vely. The computed percentages for the two categories
of responses ("no" and "yes") regarding plant and
animal prohibition are shown in table 30. From
the table it is seen that a total of three hundred
and forty (340) respondents equivalent to sixty
eight percent (68%) of the total number of respondents
gave positive responses regarding prohibition of
plants and/or animals from destruction. The remaining
one hundred and sixty (160) e~~ivalent to thirty
two percent (32%) gave negative responses regarding
prohibition of the plants and/or animals. Hence
a higher percentage of the subjects responded positively
toward environmental conservation implying positive
perception of environmental conservation.
With the foregoing discussion on cultural
traditions and perception of environmental conservation,
the following general conclusions can be made:
- 168.
a) People of Kericho District are culturally
attached to certain plants and animals.
b) The major traditional uses of plants among
the people of Kericho are medicinal, ceremonial,
and ornamental (aesthetic).
c) The animals were traditionally useful to the
people of Kericho as totems and means of
identifying good or bad omen within their
environment.
d) Majority of the people of the District have
positive perception of environmental conservation.
Based on the above general observations, the
objective earlier stated on cultural traditions and
perception of environmental conservation,
it is concluded that:
"Cultural traditions of the people of
Kericho District are supportive of
conservation measures of certain plants
and animals*".
(*see plates 3 and 1)
This conclusion in no way contradicts the findings
of other researchers. Under literature review,
similar findings from Meru District were reported in
169
Meru District Environmental Assessment Report, 1985:43-44. In
this assessment report, the plant Cordia abysini~a was reported
to be of traditional value to people of Meru District
hence such plants were traditionally allowed to stand
even if land was being cleared for cultivation. In
cases like this, positive perception of environmental
conservation is said to be prevalent among the people.
Literature abound for similar examples.
(iv) Environmental Awareness and Mode (with Rate) of
Information Dissemination:
The final area to be considered with respect to the
stated obgectives is that of environmental awareness and
"mode of information dissemination." The objective to
be tested in this connection was stated as follows:
"To study the exposure of environmental
Education of both the past and presen~
among the people of Kericho District."
To obtain data needed to achieve the above objective, the
interviewees were asked to rate the level of information
dissemination using a five point rating scale. This had
to be done for both the past and the present. The alternative
responses included in the scale were very poor, poor,
mo1erate, good, and very good and responses classified
~te 3:
l/U
Plants of Traditional Value to the people of Kericho
Key: a. Hagenea abyssinica
b. Fagara magrophylla
d. Croton macrostachyus
b.
..~
c. podocarpus milanjianus
- 171
~te 4a. Plants that need Urgent Protection due to Overexploitation
(i) Juniperus procera (ii) Acacia lahai
accordingly. Each responseobtained for either past or present was
categorised"low" or "highII dependingon its positionin the scale.
The deciding level was taken to be "rroderate"..A response of rroderate,
low and very low was categorised"low level of infonnationdltsSBtmnation
while a responseof high and very hi.ghwas categorised"high level of
information dissemination. Frequencies of each of
the two categories of responses were taken and their
percentages computed. The procedure for computing the
percentages has been described in chapter four of this
report under analysis of data. The computed
percentages for various responses received were
summarized and presented in table 35. From the table
the following general observations can be made:
a) For the present the percentage of respondents
giving "high level of information dissemination"
is higher than those giving "low level of
information dissemination".
b) For the past twenty (or more) years ago, the
percentage of respondents giving "high level
of information dissemination" is lower than
those giving "low level of information dissemination".
From these general observations the objective, it is
173
concluded that:
"People in Kericho District are now
more exposed to environmental education
than they were twenty (or more) years
ago".
It must be noted however, that whereas the
conclusion is true, it should be seen in a relative
sense. This is so because percentages found for anyone
period of time (past or present) indicate both high level
responses and low level responses. For example regarding
the past, sixty two percent (62%) indicated low level
dissemination of information while thirty eight percent
(38%) indicated high level. For the present fifty five
percent (55%) stated high level~of information
dissemination while forty five percent (45%) of the
respondents gave low level of information dissemination.
An attempt was also made to determine the most
common means of communicating environmental information
to the people within the District. To do this the
respondents were required to check against the method
through which environmental information get to them.
Nine different means of communication were identified
and these were: Radio, Chief's barazas Seminars,
Tapes, Films, Televisions, Newspapers, Class teachers,
others (to specify). Against each of them the subjects
were required to tick where applicable in their area.
Out of the frequencies obtained for each method,
percentages were computed following the method
described in chapter four under analysis of data.
A summary of the results obtained are given in table
3'. From the values displayed in the table the
following observations are made.
a) The most common means of communicating environmental
information in Kericho District is through Radio
programmes. Since seventy six percent (76%) of
the respondents stated so.
b) The second method of information communication
is through the Chief's Baraza's. Nineteen percent
(19%) of the respondents stated so.
c) The least common method of information
dissemination is through tapes and films with
none of the respondents selecting them as methods
of communication of environmental information.
The information obtained was seen as being very useful
in advising planners and administrators within the
~
District and elsewhere on how to best reach the people
while communicating matters pertaining to environmental
conservation.
175
Summary findings on the Stated Objectives
a) The magnitude ~f deforestation within Kenl~ho'nistrict
is higher at present than it was twenty (or over)
years ago.
b) There has been significant change in relative
abundance of plants and animals in Kericho
District.
c) Cultural traditions of the people of Kericho
District are supportive of conservation measures ot..
certain plants and animals.
d) People in Kericho District are now more exposed
to environmental education than they were twenty
(or more ) years ago.
Implications and Recommendations:
The findings of the study have direct
implication upon conservation plans both within
Kericho District and the rest of the country_ A
proper interpretation of the results obtained would
greatly assist those who are charged with the
responsibility of managing the resources within the
environment.
1>7.6
The conclusion that "magnitude of deforestation
within Kericho District is higher at present than
in the past twenty (or over) years ago" would imply
that presently, more land surface is getting exposed
to erosional agents namely wind and water. Because of
increased exposure to these agents, soil loss from
such exposed surfaces is bound to have risen. Increased
rates of deforestation causes increased destruction of
animals' natural habitats. Where the habitats are
destroyed, the animals would certainly migrate
elsewhere in search of shelter" hence causing an
overall reduction in their abundance and diversity.
Deforestation further causes reduction in plant
abundance and diversity within the environment.
From the findings it was also concluded that
cultural traditions of the people of Kericho District
are supportive of conservation measures of certain
plants and animals. This finding imply that
conservation of those plants and animals has been
reinforced by the people's perception of the entire
environment. This view has been widely accepted by
researchers throughout the wor~d.
Assessment of the people's exposure to
environmental education showed that people ~re now
l~
more environmentally aware than they were twenty
(or more) years ago and that radio is the most
common means of communication within Kericho District.
There was a clear difference between radio as a means
of information dissemination and the other modes of
communication namely, T.V., Chief's Barazas, tapes,
films, formal teaching, seminars and newspapers.
Results obtained showed that except for the radio all
the other modes of communication listed above are
underused as vehicles of communication.
Because of the above findings the following
recommendations can be made:
a) Due to the rapid disappearance of plants and
animals from the environment it is recommended
that "nature reserves" be established within
Kericho District. Once established such reserves
would be useful to the people as biological
standards. From them the present and future
generations would be able to see the~ indigenous
plan~ and anima~within their natural environment.
The idea of "nature reserves" could also be
extended to other districts within the country
and the outside world. This is particularly
necessary otherwise certain plants and animals
currently threatened will, for ever, disappear
from the environment.
178
b) Since perception of the people of the entire
environment has been found to be positively
correlated with the conservation measures within
Kericho District, it is recommended that all
conservation plans be disigned so as to be in
harmony with the people's perception. This would
imply that before any conservation endeavour is
done, the people's feelings and attitudes towards
it must be studied. The planners will therefore
need to involve the local people in the planning
process. The recommendation holds for both the
District and the other parts of the world. If for
example "terracing" is not valued by the local
people, it would be very difficult to introduce it
among them, however, if it is valued "terracing"
as a conservation measure would readily be accepted
by the people. Consequently, the planners as
well as administrators in the field must carry out
studies on perceptions of their respective people
and design the most effective methods of overcoming
the difficulties where they exist.
c) The traditional values of the people are also
important in conserving plants and animals within
the natural environment. Importance of plants
and animals to the people in part, explains why
17~
certain plants and animals still exist within
the environment. To overcome the problem of
soil erosion caused by deforestation, afforestation
within the exposed landscape must be done. It
is recommended that trees selected for planting
should be as much as is possible those indigenous
plants valued by the local community. This, when
done will have a dual purpose. first because the
trees are indigenous they would most likely thrive
in such environments and secondly because of the
value the people attach to the trees, they are
likely to be taken good care of. Looking at table
26,Podocarpus milanjianus wbuld be an appropriate
indigenous plant to select because it was identified
as one of those plants valued by the people.
Reinforcing the finding of the study, President Moi
of Kenya planted an indigenous Podo tree (Podocarpus
milanjianus) near Kapkatet in Kericho District.
Advising the people on the kind of trees to plant
he said:
IIIfmore indigenous trees are planted,
balance of nature would be maintaned .
... unlike the exotic trees, indigenous
trees help to attract and sustain
wildlife. (Standard, 6th August, 1989:1)
For this reason trees selected for planting in any
area should be indigenous to ensure proper growth
180 -
and valuable to the local people to ensure
:s.pontaneouscare.
d) Considering the excessive destruction of cedar
trees (Juniperus procera), it, is recommended that
trade in all cedar products should be banned in
Kenya and where this has been done, the
law should be enforced. This is important when
it is realized that the plant was rated lowest
in abundance within Kericho District. Already
this need has been voiced by senior government
officials of Kenya. Speaking on the issue.
'Crispus Nyagah the Director of Forestry in
Kenya said:
...Extensive destruction of the tree
(juniperus procera) for posts and timber
had threatened the indigenous species
with extinction: (Nation, 30th June
1989: 40).
e) Acacia lahai, a plant common to the Wetter Higher
Zone of Kericho District, was identified as being
a plant whose abundance had undergone the greatest
reduction. Further to this it was reported to
be the most treasured plan~ for building and
fencing posts. Because the plant is a hardwood
that takes years to reach maturity, it is recommended
- 181
that its exploitation be controlled by the
government. Whereas the plant may not be
threatened at the moment, attempt to plant
it would not solve immediate needs.
f) Deforestation must be discouraged where it occurs.
It is recommended that heavy penalties be given
to those who deliberately and carelessly destroy
existing forests and by the same token special
rewards be given to those who display proper
management of the existing forests as well as the
entire environment.
g) Since cultivation is an inevitable human event,
it is recommended that agroforestry be encouraged so
as to enhance the fertility of the land as well as
increase its productivity. Where the programme
has been introduced, its importance should be
stressed. Several benefits usually accrue where
agroforestry is practiced. According to Sanchez,
(1989);
Appropriate agroforestry systems have
the potential to control erosion, maintain
soil organic matter and physical properties,
augment nitrogen fixation, and promote
efficient nutrient cycling (Sanchez, in
Agroforestry today, Jan - March 1989 : 13)
Consequently agroforestry would be the best
alternative use for a tota!ly deforested
landscape.
h) Modes of communicating environmental information
to the people must be improved particularly those
which were identified during the study as being
underutilized. It is recommended that films and
recorded tapes be centrally prepared so as to
loan to the people when in need. Such a move
would enhance environmental awareness among the
people. The same should be done in all the
Districts of Kenya.
i) To enhance awareness among the people of Kenya,
the District Environment Officers should
regularly organize seminars for their respective
Districts so as to enlighten the people on
contemporary environmental issues and create a
forum for exchange of ideas partaining to the
environment.
j) Lack of awareness can be reduced through formal
teaching. It is therefore recommended that a
multidisciplinary course of Environmental
Education be introduced and stressed at all levels
of formal teaching which include, primary
secondary, and university teaching. Similarly
183
it is necessary to incorporate the subject
into adult literacy classes. With Environmental
Education pervading through all the levels, lack
of awareness among the people will greatly be reduced.
k) Within Kericho District, there is.need to establish
District Environmental Group whose members are
drawn from professionals (e.g. Doctors, Lawyers,
Teachers, Foresters, Agriculturalists, etc), non-
governmental organizations, and ordinary citizens.
A group of this kind would help in identifying the
existing environmental problems (which include
deforestation) and suggestion of the possible
solutions. For some Districts of Kenya. (e.g.
Murang'a) simila~ groups have been formed and are
currently in operation. The most appropriate
person to chair the group would be the District
Environment Officer since such an official is
appointed in every District within Kenya.
Having given a list of recommendations based on
findings, suggestions for further research will now
be considered.
Suggestions for Further Research
a) Since the study was restricted to Kericho District,
it is possible to replicate it in other Districts
- 184
of the country. That way more generalized
views representative of the entire country would
be .obtained. This study could also be replicated
in other countries of the world.
b) The scope of the study could be widened so as
to involve larger areas than a District, with
preferably more than fifty (50) study points
or more nodal points could be selected than the
chosen fifty (50) for the District.
c) The same study could be carried out using
different plants and animals from those originally
sampled. This would offer a useful test to the
findings of the study.
d) Because counts were not made for animals within
the District, this could form an important area
for further research.
e) Mode of information dissemination was considered
in general hence further research work is needed
so as to assess the kind of information passed on
and how frequent this is done.
f) Croton macrostachyus was found to be the most
ubiquitous plant in the Wetter Higher Zone of
- 185
Kericho District, hence there is need to assess
its effects on the sorrounding plant and animal
communities. This is necessary because certain
plants are by nature antibiotic consequently,
suppress the growth of other plants around and
under them. Ecology of the plants should be
studied so as to consider its incorporation into
agroforestry programmes already recommended.
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A P PEN DIe E S
APPENDIX (i)
OBSERVATION RECOl{[\ SHEET
NODAL POINT NO.
A. ASSESSMENT OF PLANT ABUNDANCE:
QUAD RAT NO. 1
NAME OF THE PLANT NUMBER RELATIVE ABUNDANCE:
1 2 3 4 5None Few Mooe- Many very many
rate
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
i .
k.
1.
QUADRAT NO. 2
NAME OF THE PLANT NUMBER RELATIVE. ABUNDANCE:-
1 2 3 4 5
None Few Mooe- Many Very many
rate
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
• •• ICont •••
196
NAME OF THE PLANT NUMBER RELATIVE ABUNDANCE:
'I 2 3 4 5
None Few Mode- Many Very
rate i'1any
f.
g.
h.
i.
j .
k.
1.
QUADRAT NO. 3
NAME OF THE PLANT NUMBER RELATIVE ABUNDANCE:
1 2 3 4 5
None Few Mode- Many Very
rate many
a.
b. ~
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j •
k.
1.
191
B. STATE OF DEFORESTATION:
(i) Tick against the term that describes best the
observed state of afforestation and deforestation.
a) afforestation
None ExtensiveAverage
b) Deforestation
None ExtensiveAverage
(ii) a) Name the plants that are planted by the people
around the nodal point:
1 •
2.
3.
4 .
5.
6 •
7 .
8.
b) State the causes of forest clearance in the
area:
1.
2 •
3.
4 •
5.
6 •
_ 198
APPENDIX (ii)
AN ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
PART A:
1. Name of the subject
Sex: Female (
irrelevant one.
Male ( cross out the
2. Age:
1 - 20 , 21 - 40 41 - 60 , 61 - 80
Others, specify
Tick against the correct range.
3. Name of the village
4. For how long have you lived in this village/town? ---
PART B:
1. Were there large forests in this area before?
Yes No .------
2. Are there forests in this area currently?
Yes No
- '199 -
If No, state the reason(s)
Reason(s)
3. Do they cover the same extent now as before?
Yes No
If No, state the reason(s)
Reason(s)
4. If you were to compare the rate of plant removal
now and a period over 20 years ago, how would it
be? Tick in the scales below what you think would
be appropriate description.
(a) Rate of deforestation for the period over 20 years
ago:
1 2 3 4 5
Very Low Low Moderate High Very High
200
(b) Rate of deforestation at present:
1 2 3 4 5
Very Low Low Moderate High Very High
~
5. List the causes of deforestation during the two
periods of time.
a) Causes of deforestation now:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(i v)
(v)
b) Causes of deforestation in the period over 20 years
ago:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
201
PART C
1. Some plants and animals are listed below. Mark with
an (X) where they were/are absent with a (~) where
they were/are present for the two periods of time.
In the same table also, indicate the relative
abundance of each plant or animals:
PLANTS:
NAME OF THE PLANT PAST YEARS PRESENT
Relative Abundance Relative Abundance
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
None Few Mode- Many Very None Few Mode- Many Very
rate many rate many
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
. . ..
I
K
L
M
20
202
ANIMALS:
NAME OF THE ANIMAL PAST 20 YEARS PRESENT
Relative Abundance Relative Abundance
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Non~ Few IMode- Many Very None Few Mode- Many Very
rate Many rate Many
..
A
B
C
0
E
F I
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
List reasons why certain plants and animals are found to
have sharply reduced in number:
(i) Reasons for animals' reduction
a--------------------------------------------------------------
b--------------------------------------------------------------
c--------------------------------------------------------------
d--------------------------------------------------------------
e--------------------------------------------------------------
203
(ii) Reasons for plants' reduction
a
b
c
d
e
PART D
1. Name plants and animals that are of traditional
value to your people.
For each case mention its use:
Plant's Name Use
a
b
c
d
e
Animal's Name
a
Use
b
c
d
e
f
204
2. Is there any of these that was prohibited from careless
destruction (e.g. killing or cutting)?
YES/NO Name it
PART E:
1. Comparing information about plants and animals, of
the present time and over 20 years ago which period
of time has higher rate of information dissemination?
Use the scale below to give your answer.
Present Past (Over 20 yean ago)
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Very Poor Poor Mode- Good Very Very Poor Poor Mode- Good ~ery
rate good rate good
2. Tick (V) against the method throughwhich environmental
informat~on gets to you in your area:
Seminars
Radio
Chief's Baraza
Tapes
Films
Televsion
News paper
Class Teacher
- 205 -
others, specify
Which is the most frequent means of obtaining
environmental information? ---------------------------
- 206 -
APPENDIX III
Plants Sampled for the Study
Scientific Name of the Plant Family Kipsigis Name
1. Acacia abyssinica (Hochst)
2. Acacia lahai(Steud&Hochst)
3. Acacia xanthophloea
(Benth)
4. Acokanthera friesiorum
(markgraf)
5. Allophylus abyssinicus
(Hochst)
6. Aningeria adolfi
( Engl.)
7. Cassine buchanami
( Jackson)
8. Croton macrostachyus
9. Diospyros abyssinica
(Hiern)
10. Dombeya goetzenii
(K. Schum)
11. Ehretia cymosa
(Thonn)
12. Erythrina abyssinica
( Hochst)
13. Euclea divinorum
(R.E. Fries)
14. Fagara magrophylla
(Engl. )
15. Hagenia abyssinica
(Bruce)
Boraginaceae Mutereriet
Papilionoideae Kibisorwet
Mimosoideae
Mimosoideae
Mimosoideae
Acokanthereae
Sapindaceae
Sapotaceae
Ce1astraceae
Euphorbiaceae
Ebenaceae
St~culiaceae
Ebenaceae
Rutaceae
Rosaceae
Sertwet
Chepitet
Chepnyalilyet
Kelyot
Mororta
Kipkoibet
Saunet
Tebeswet
Cheptuiyet
Silibwet
Uswet
Sakawaita
Bondet
... /2
- 207 -(Contd ••)
Scientific name of the Plant Family Kipsigis Name
16. Juniperus procera
(Hochst-Endl) Cupressaceae
17. Meoboutania macrocalyx
(Pax)
18. Olea africana (Mill)
19. Podocarpus milanjianus
(Rendle)
20. Polyscias fulva
(Hiern)
21. Strombosia scheff1eri
(Engl. )
22. Tarchonanthus camphoratus
((Fries)
23. Teclea simplicifolia
(Verdoorn)
24. Trichocladus el1ipticus
( Eckl & Zeyh.)
25. Warbugia ugandensis
( G. R. Williams)
Hamamelidaceae Boregeiwet
Canellaceae Soket
Euphorbiaceae
Oleaceae
Podocarpaceae
Araliaceae
Olacaceae
Compositeae
Rutaceae
Tarakwet
Sebetet / (
Emityot
Saptet
Aonet
Kubusto
Lelechwet
Kuryot
N.B. The plants recorded in the above list are those
considered in both ecological zones taken together. No
categorization was made on plants belonging to the Wetter
Higher Zone and Drier Lower Zone. The actual plants
belonging to each zone may, however, be seen in the table
of results from either of the zones.
Scientific Name of the Common Name Kipsigis Name
Animal
1. Canis mesomel~ Silver Backed Jackal Lelwot
2. Cephalophus monticola Duiker Cheptirgichet
- 2~08 -
APPENDIX (iv)
Animals Sampled for the Study
4. Colobidae
3. Cercopithecus aethiops yelvet Monkey
Colubus Monkey
5. Crocuta crocuta Hyena
6. Francolinus coqui Francoline
7. Kobus Waterbuck
8. Lepus crawshayi Hare
9. Musophaga rossae Ross's Turaco
10. Numida meleagris Helmed Guinea Fowl
11. Panthera lea Lion
12. Panthera pardus Leopard
13. Potamochoerus porcus Bush pig
14. Rhynchotragus kirkii Kirk's Dik Dik
15. Tragelaphus scriptus Bush Back
16. Syncerus caffer Buffalo
Chereret
Koroitiet
Kimagetiet
Taiwet
Kipsomberet
Kiplekwet
Merewet
Terkekiat
Ngetundo
Cheplanget
Toraet
Tiki Tiki
Boinet
Soet
209
APPENDIX (v)
Names and Code Numbers of the Stations Sampled in the
Wetter Higher Zone of Kericho District
Serial No Name of the Station Code Number
l. Kabungut 1
2. Chebilat 2
3. Litein 3
4 . Kabartegan , 4
5. Kapkatet 5
6. Chesiliot 6
7. Boito 7
8. Mogogosiek 8
9. Chemoiben 9
10 : Kaplong' 10
1l. Cheplakwet 11
12. Nyongores 12
13. Kiplelji 13
14. Kipsonoi 14
15. Chepngaina 15
16. Ndarawetta 16
17. Chepkutung 17
18. Kipyosit 18
19. Mugango 19
20. Tegat 20
2l. Kiromwok 21
22. Kaptoboiti 22
23. Merigi 23
... /2
210
Appendix (v) Contd.
Serial No. Name of the Station Code Number
24. Kakibei 24
25. Sosiot 25
26. Kiptere 26
27. Koiwa ~ 27
28. Kimargis 28
29. Cheptenye 29
30. Kapsoit 30
31. Kabianga 31
32. Singorwet 32
33. Tumoiyot 33
34. Marinyin 34,
35. Kapkoros 35
36. Chemaner 36
37. Silibwet 37
211
- ,
APPENDIX (vi)
Names and Code Numbers of the Stations Sampled In the
Drier Lower Zone of Kericho District
Serial No. Name of the Station Code Number
l. Lugumek 38
2. Kipreres 39
3. Sigor 40
4. Kyogong 41
5. Kipkelion 42
6. Kaitui 43
7. Kipsitet 44
8. Kanusin 45
9. Tarakwa 46
10. Kembu 47
1l. Siongiroi 48
12. Chebole 49
13. Itembe 50
APPENDIX VII
LETTERS OF CORRESPONDENCE
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findihgs ai the expiry of the project.
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- 213:-
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~PAGE 2
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for a perfud ending .... -Jcn!lJ~;ry..:..... '.... 199.1..
PAGE 3
Research permit No. '@.$Tlt.3/QOJJl2 ..C..132i7
baie':or issue .: :2nd .February, ..1988 '.
Fee received .2~/;<.~: .: ~ .
'.'
I
!
:-.-.~~ .
.. £P :~.: ' <;:.! ...•• .t1HANOO.(URS",).9 •
l;;;nzant'J' Permanent Secretary,
Signature ',- Office .oi the President
L... •• __ .• ' .,_ •• _.0 ••• __ ••••• _ •• _:. •• •• _.~ •• ~ •• -'- •• ,_i.. .. .~ _ _ .
I
Kericho 2I1!31/ 132/134
19 please quote
~l.'~s.: }.5./:1.h /33
and date
1)ISTR1Cr COMM.lSSlONEJ{
KERICHO DISTR ICl
P.O. Box 19
KERJOHO
25th, April, 88... " 19 .
- .214 -
OFFICI:. OF THE PRESlDE:-.. ..J
TO ~iEO?,j IT KAY CONCEIm
m::SSli.RGTI ·Alj'T30:ELIZIl.TIOl;
1:3. 3IC?..ARD KIKU'l'AI lCC:1.ICI{
The above-named has been authorised. to cond.uct research on "Def'or-es tat i cr
and Decimation of Plant and AniIi:.al Species" in Kcr-i cho District.
J.rr;/ assistance given to -hirr: •.-ill be highly appreciated.
(M.L. snu.)
FOR: DISRICT COI;1l-ITSSIOlS3
KE..BTCHO
/arrk..