Local community perception of the benefits and costs of conservation of the eastern Mt. Kenya forest, Kenya

Abstract

Forests are crucial to a country’s health and development through soil and water conservation, wood and non-wood products production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and social benefits. Mount Kenya is a major water catchment area. Unfortunately, it is under serious pressure from local communities activities. It is necessary to seek active participation of the communities in the conservation of the forest. This study determined local community perception of the costs and benefits of conserving the Kiango’ndu forest East of Mt Kenya forest. Factors which influence communities’ attitudes towards forest conservation were investigated to enable forest and wildlife managers implement approaches that attract support of the communities. This was done using qualitative ethnographic questionnaires, interviews and observations. The target groups included the forest communities bordering Kiang’ondu forest and local level government forestry officials. Local community enjoys a diversity of economic, ecological, aesthetic and cultural benefits from the forest. However, they incur losses such as property and crop damage, loss of time spent chasing away wild animals, bodily injuries and fear of wild animals. Majority of the respondents feel frustrated but others were willing to participate in conserving the forest. Lack of effective communication between the local community and forest managers coupled with human-wildlife conflicts were major hindrances to participation in conservation. Initiatives should be set up to enlighten local residents and resolve the human-wildlife conflicts to create an environment conducive for community participation in conserving the forest. Keywords: Forest, Benefits, Community, Participation, Conservation