African Physical Geography (Earth Science focus) | 05 September 2006
Indigenous Community-led Sustainable Forest Management in Baringo District, Western Kenya: Empowerment and Ecosystem Services Conservation Assessment
K, i, s, o, r, o, C, h, e, p, t, o, o, ,, N, j, i, r, u, W, a, m, b, u, g, u
Abstract
{ "background": "Indigenous communities in Baringo District, Western Kenya, have long managed forests sustainably through traditional practices that provide ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.", "purposeandobjectives": "This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of indigenous-led sustainable forest management (SLFM) practices in conserving ecosystem services and empowering local communities.", "methodology": "A mixed-methods approach combining interviews, focus groups, and remote sensing data was employed to assess SLFM impacts on biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and community well-being.", "findings": "Community-led forest management resulted in a $40\%$ increase in tree cover density compared to unmanaged areas over five years, enhancing ecosystem services while reducing deforestation rates by $35\%$.", "conclusion": "Indigenous communities play a pivotal role in sustaining forest ecosystems and can be effectively engaged through participatory management strategies.", "recommendations": "Government and non-government organizations should support indigenous-led SLFM initiatives to enhance biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable livelihoods.", "keywords": "Sustainable Forest Management, Indigenous Communities, Ecosystem Services, Biodiversity Conservation, Participatory Management", "contributionstatement": "This study introduces a novel statistical model for assessing the impact of community-led forest management on ecosystem services." } { "Background": "Indigenous communities in Baringo District, Western Kenya, have long managed forests sustainably through traditional practices that provide ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.", "Purpose and Objectives": "This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of indigenous-led sustainable forest management (SLFM) practices in conserving ecosystem services and empowering local communities.", "Methodology": "A mixed-methods approach combining interviews, focus groups, and remote sensing data was employed to assess SLFM impacts on biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and community well-being.", "Findings": "Community-led forest management resulted in a $40\%$ increase in tree cover density