African Policy Implementation (Public Admin/Political | 28 May 2009
Sustainable Forest Management Practices Among Indigenous Communities in Western Kenya: A Longitudinal Study on Biodiversity Conservation
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Abstract
Sustainable forest management (SFM) practices among indigenous communities in Western Kenya have been identified as crucial for biodiversity conservation. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys was employed across multiple years in selected indigenous communities. Indigenous communities showed significant support for SFM initiatives, particularly those involving traditional knowledge integration. The proportion of communal land managed sustainably increased by 20% over five years. The study underscores the importance of community engagement and traditional ecological knowledge in achieving effective SFM outcomes. Government policies should prioritise supporting indigenous communities through capacity building, legal frameworks that recognise their rights, and financial incentives for sustainable practices.