Gender Inclusion Assessment for Forest Dependent ...

Gender Inclusion Assessment for Forest Dependent Communities in Kenya

Acknowledgement

Executive Summary

Table of Content

Contents

Acknowledgement 2

Executive Summary 3

Table of Content 4

Acronyms 6

Glossary of terms 7

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 8

CHAPTER TWO: LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK REVIEW 11

Introduction 11

1. Global Forest Goals 11

2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 11

Policy Frameworks, Strategies and Regulations 13

3. Kenya Vision 2030 14

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 15

Study Area 15

Research Design 16

Sampling and Sample Size 16

Data Collection Methods 17

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 19

4.1 GENDER INCLUSION ASSESSMENT FINDINGS 19

Introduction 47

Gender issues ( to be illustrated by graphs pie chart) 48

Introduction 50

Gender issues ( to be illustrated by graphs pie chart) 51

County Context and Emerging Issues Error! Bookmark not defined.

Cross-cutting issues and emerging trends 71

Gender Gaps and drivers on Deforestation and Forest Degradation 69

CHAPTER SIX: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDD+ 77

CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSION 79

APPENDIX 80

Acronyms

Glossary of terms

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

Forests directly support the livelihoods of over 1.6 billion people in the World, including around 350 million people living in or near dense forests who use forest resources for income and subsistence (World Bank 2009b; FAO 2015). This is particularly true for women and girls who may rely for up to half of their income and livelihoods on forests and thus require secure access and use rights to these resources (World Bank 2016; Moss and Swan 2013).

Kenya’s forest resources are of immense importance for their contribution to economic development, rural livelihoods, and for the environmental and ecosystem services they provide. Forests help support the operations of most key economic sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, tourism, wildlife, and energy. It is estimated that, on balance, Kenya loses about 12,000 hectares of forest each year, mostly due to the high and growing demand for fuel wood and charcoal, population pressure for settlements, infrastructure, and commercialization of wood products and conversion of land for use in agriculture.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus Conservation, Sustainable Management of Forests, and Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks (REDD+) is a global policy initiative that seeks to address threats of climate change through reducing emissions emanating from the forestry sector. It aims to reduce forest loss and promote forest conservation through offering results-based payments as financial incentives for countries to conserve and sustainably manage their forests.

In line with the requirements of the UNFCCC’s Warsaw Framework for REDD+ activities, the FCPF REDD+ Readiness Project aims to support the delivery of key REDD+ readiness building blocks for Kenya, namely: development of National REDD+ Strategy and Investment Plan, development of a Safeguards Information System, capacity building and support for stakeholders’ engagement, technical support for the establishment of the National Forest Monitoring System, and Forest Reference Level (FREL).

National REDD+ strategies are a consolidated set of policies and programmes that a country implements to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, while enhancing carbon uptake from other REDD+ activities. They are a vital cog in ensuring that the country’s REDD+ process results in real, measurable and long-term benefits related to the mitigation of climate change, while aligning with national development strategies. They define elements like key drivers of deforestation, FRELs, baselines and safeguards. With a strong focus on safeguards, they can stimulate the

engagement of a wide range of stakeholder groups in forest and land management, including indigenous peoples, women and other forest-dependent communities.

On paper therefore, REDD+ operates at the forest-climate mitigation interface by promoting sustainable forest management and reducing emissions from the forestry sector, while allowing countries and local communities to receive benefits from the carbon sequestration or avoided emissions. Yet, men and women typically have different uses, roles, rights and responsibilities towards forest conservation, and tend to respond differently to corresponding incentive measures and public policy interventions, besides having different relationships with institutions in the forestry sector. Due to these social, economic, and cultural inequalities and legal impediments within the forest sector, women and other marginalized groups such as youth, indigenous, poor and/or disabled people, may experience societal exclusion that limits their ability to fully participate in, contribute to, and benefit from REDD+ actions.

Failure to consider gender concerns and adequately address them in the REDD+ readiness process could pose major risks and create harmful effects on women and other marginalized groups whose livelihoods depend on the forest. For the global REDD+ effort to succeed in its multiple goals, it must strongly consider the social and environmental safeguards, and deliver co-benefits around livelihoods improvement, sustainable development, and gender equality.

With this understanding that gender equality contributes significantly to successful REDD+ initiatives, Kenya embarked on the development of a framework for mainstreaming gender equality and inclusion in the REDD+ Readiness process. The gender assessment will identify communities or groups that are potentially vulnerable under a REDD+ implementation in Kenya, plus opportunities for greater and meaningful involvement of marginalized communities, women and all forest-dependent communities in forest conservation. The assessment shall provide vital gender, vulnerability and inclusivity considerations for integration into the National REDD+ Strategy development process.

1.1 Objectives of the Assessment

1.1.1 General Objective

To assess gender inclusion of forest dependent communities in forest conservation, protection and management processes in Kenya.

1.1.2 Specific Objectives

1. To document gender issues in forest conservation protection and management as identified by forest dependent communities

2. To analyze perception of men and women on the main drivers of deforestation and degradation

3. To examine vulnerability of forest dependent communities in terms of forest resources access/use, protection, conservation and management

4. To propose appropriate recommendations on gender equality and inclusion to the REDD+ readiness process.

CHAPTER TWO

LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK REVIEW

Introduction

The management, conservation and protection of forests in Kenya is based on several policy and legislative frameworks articulated by relevant government and non-state actors with the main objective being sustainable management and utilization of forest ecosystems. These national policies and laws as well as other regional and international agreements are briefly analyzed hereunder.

International and Regional Legal and Policy Frameworks

Kenya is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Since the commencement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, Kenya has taken bold measures to secure the country’s development against the risks and impacts of climate change. Goal 5 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on achievement of gender equality and women empowerment, Goal 13 aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts while Goal 15 aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt land degradation and biodiversity loss.

Other international frameworks are highlighted below;

1. Global Forest Goals

The UN Strategic plan for Forests (2017-2030) provides for among others reversal of the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management, including protection, restoration, afforestation and reforestation, and increase efforts to prevent forest degradation and contribute to the global effort of addressing climate change.

2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

3. UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

This is an international convention which provides for the rights of all girls and women. It also lists specific areas where discrimination against girls and women must end, like laws, marriage, education, health care, and employment. Article 14 (g) provided for equal access to among others land and recommends agrarian reforms as well as in land settlement schemes.

4. African Union (AU) Agenda 2063

Agenda 2063 on “The Africa we want” envisions that African countries will be amongst the best performers in global quality of life measures. The agenda also visualises that Africa will take part in global efforts for climate change mitigation that support and widen the policy space for sustainable development

5. Maputo Protocol

Article 18(2a) of the Maputo Protocol obliges state parties to take all appropriate measures to “ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels. Article 18 (c) also provides that states shall protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems.

6. East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050

Chapter 7 of the EAC Vision 2050 provides that natural resource management encompasses forestry, wildlife mineral resources and other natural resources. It also recognizes that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the present time and seeks to launch the Green Climate Fund to address issues of emissions of greenhouse gases that continue to rise globally. The region is vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and it is already experiencing increased impacts, including persistent drought and extreme weather, rising sea-level, coastal erosion and ocean acidification, further threatening food security and efforts to eradicate poverty.

National Legal and Policy Frameworks

The Constitution of Kenya 2010, provides for environmental management upon which the State is required to develop critical enabling legal and policy frameworks. Chapter 15 of the Constitution on land and environment provides for the fundamental principles of land while Art 61, 62, 63 and 64 expounds on different classifications of land. Art 62 (2d) specifically defines and provides for the attributes of community land which include among others land that is-

(i) lawfully held, managed or used by specific communities as community forests, grazing areas or shrines;

(ii) ancestral lands and lands traditionally occupied by hunter-gatherer communities; or

(iii) lawfully held as trust land by the county governments.

Along with the Climate Change Act, 2016, the Kenya legal and policy frameworks on land and environment highlight forestry as one of the priority areas to move Kenya towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway and to attain a national forest cover of at least 10%. Other domestic legal and policy framework that guide on forest conservation and management include;

a) Community Land Act,2016

b) Land Act, 2012 (Revised Edition), 2016

c) National Land Commission Act,2012

d) County Governments Act, 2012

e) Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act No. 8 of 1999 (EMCA)

f) Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016

g) Water Act, 2016

h) Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority Act, No. 13 of 2013

i) Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013

j) National Government Co-ordination Act, No. 1 of 2013

k) Physical Planning Act, 2012

l) Societies Act Cap 108, (Revised in 2012

m) The National Gender and Equality Commission Act, 2011

Policy Frameworks, Strategies and Regulations

1. The Draft National Forest Policy 2020

The Draft National Forest Policy incorporates elements of climate change mitigation and adaptation, green growth, ecosystem security, forest hydrology, robust monitoring and evaluation framework, participatory forest management, and establishment of mechanisms to oversee multi-stakeholder convergence in forest management that is built on Kenya’s rich cultural heritage of co-existence and which is dependent on Kenya’s diverse forest resources. It also incorporates measures for intense monitoring and reporting as required by national level policies and international agreements.

2. The National Policy on Gender and Development 2019

This policy obligates the state to mainstream gender in all its policy and legal frameworks, programs and operations. Under the policy’s section on environment and natural resources, emphasis is put on capacity build of women on the negative effects of deforestation for them to be able to contribute towards sustainable natural resource management and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

3. Kenya Vision 2030

Vision 2030 aims at making Kenya a newly industrializing middle-income country providing a high quality life for all its citizens by the year 2030. The social pillar as one of the three pillars, aims at building a just and cohesive society with a clean and a cohesive environment.

4. National Policy on response and prevention of Gender Based Violence 2014

5. The 2010 National Climate Change Response Strategy

6. The National Climate Change Action Plan 2018-2022,

7. National Forestry Program 2016-2030

8. Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016-2030 National Draft Forest Policy, 2015

9. Agriculture (Farm Forestry) Rules, 2009

10. National Wildlife Conservation and Management Policy, 2013

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

The Gender inclusion assessment focused on the Forest Dependent Communities which target 20 counties that took cognizant of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in Kenya. The methodology employed had approaches and tools used to collect data ensure representation of the target groups such as women, marginalized communities, youth and elderly in forest governance. The Gender Inclusion assessment was undertaken in two phases: Phase one covering the North Rift and North Eastern region and the second phase covering the Central, Eastern and Coast region.

Figure 1: Map of Surveyed Counties (Green spots represents areas surveyed in counties)

Study Area

The study area was spread in 20 Counties with forest dependent communities living near various forest blocks and these were purposefully selected to cover North Rift and North

Eastern region, Central, Eastern and Coastal regions. They include Narok, Nakuru, Baringo, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Nyeri, Embu, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Marsabit, Samburu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Kiambu. These counties are unique in terms of hosting diverse forest types which are denoted by vegetation that is dryland, coastal and lowland tropical forests cutting across the three land tenure systems namely public gazetted forests, community forests and private ownership.

Research Design

The research design set the procedure on the required data, the methods that were applied to collect and analyze this data in order to answer the research questions. The Study had two phases with the first 8 counties serving as pilot counties and used a mixed methods approach which includes the use of qualitative methods such as Participatory Learning Approach which uses qualitative methods of data collection such as Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KII) Case Narratives, Transect walks and use of pair-wise ranking for forest resources. The emphasis of this research design was to bring out the perceptions of the communities on forest resources in terms of conservation, protection and management in relation to the gender perspectives.

The second phase of the gender inclusion assessment utilized a correlational research design to assess relationships between gender inclusion of forest dependent communities in forest conservation, protection, and management of forests in the 12 counties. The emphasis of this research design studies a situation or a problem in order to explain the relationship between variables or to test whether one event has a causal effect to another1. Therefore, correlational research design was the most appropriate for addressing the central and subsidiary questions of this study in the second phase to augment the findings from the first phase. The assessment framework for this study was based on already developed theories that are commonly used to test value-behavior relationships on natural resources such as forests. The study involved collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, therefore a mixed methods approach was implemented to meet the objectives of this study.

Sampling and Sample Size

The first phase of the 8 piloted and surveyed counties employed qualitative methods which were aligned to purposive sampling with Case narratives focusing elderly women and men and Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews that targeted youth, men and women in specific regions in the sampled areas.

The second phase in the 12 counties of the study used a stratified random sampling method where the total population of interest was partitioned into sub-groups according

1 Creswell, 2014

to their gender roles as prescribed as Men, Women, Youth and Elderly. From previous studies, these gender sub-groups play a major role in/influence forest conservation, protection and management. The total sample size was derived from the Taro Yamane formula with 95% confidence level2 (with the total population residing at a 5-kms buffer from the forest boundary according to the county forest population approximately 1,000,000 people.3 Further, forest dependent communities’ population is estimated at 1000 households within a 5-kms buffer from the forest boundary. Using a sampling formula of Yamane’s formula:

n = N / [1 + N ( e )2 ]

Where;

N = Size of the population

n = Size of the sample

e = Precision level.

Based on this formula, a sample size of 120 respondents was adequate.

Purposive sampling was utilized in selection of the 20 counties based on their forest cover, type of forest and the climatic zones. The study targeted Narok, Nakuru, Baringo, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Nyeri, Embu, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Marsabit, Samburu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Kiambu. Forest dependent respondents were randomly selected for the quantitative data in the second phase and purposively sampled for Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions in both phases. The respondents comprised of men, women, youth, the elderly and Persons With Disability (PWDs) with key informant interviews consisting of Government officials, members of Community forest associations(CFAs), village elders, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and religious leaders were interviewed. The research teams spent a total of three days within the county undertaking the research. Various data collection methods used for conducting this study were: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key informant interviews (KII), Transect walks, Pair-wise ranking, Resource mapping, Case Narratives and Individual household questionnaires.

Data Collection Methods

Primary data will be obtained through face to face interviews with respondents, and observations through use of transect walks,pair-wise ranking and resource mapping. Questionnaires were administered to respondents using mobile software in the Open

2 Yamane, 1973 3 KNBS 2019 Census Report

Data Kit (ODK) so as to show locations surveyed and photographs taken where applicable in the second phase of the study. Secondary data was obtained through maps, literature review and satellite imagery. The research teams spent a total of three days within the county undertaking the research.

Data Analysis

Correlation models were used to determine relationships between the dependent and independent variables and also determine the strength of these relationships on gender inclusion in forest conservation, protection and management of forest resources. The results, presented in tables, graphs, pie charts and chi-square are presented in chapter 4.

CHAPTER FOUR

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 GENDER INCLUSION ASSESSMENT FINDINGS

4.1.1 Gender Objective Analysis

4.1.2 County Gender Issues Analysis

This section of the report presents key findings from the twenty selected counties. The findings have been presented in accordance with the identified key gender related thematic areas as listed below:

a) Access and Control to forest resources/ financial/ skills/ knowledge

b) Participation in meetings and community activities

c) Inclusivity/ representation in leadership and governance structures

d) Equality and equity in benefit sharing/use

e) Cultural and social, attitudes, perceptions and traditional

f) Gender Based Violence and insecurity

g) Access to employment opportunities

a) Access and control to forest resources/financial/skills/knowledge This section of the report presents findings on gender relations in terms of access, control and knowledge among women and men in all twelve counties assessed. The respondents were asked to identify whom among the women and men have high access, control and knowledge of forestry related resources. The findings are as follows:

b) Access and Control to Forestry Related Resources

Qualitative findings from the assessment showed that there is equal access to the forest for men and women. However, women have limited access to forest resources. Respondents reported that men (including older men) predominantly have ownership and over forestry related resources. Poor infrastructure and long distances to the forest were said to highly affect women access to the forest and transportation of farm products from the forest to the market. Limited access and control of forestry related resources by women is due to local cultural beliefs and practices in different counties that then limits women’s participation in productive activities.

c) Knowledge on Forest Related Resources Respondents reported differential in knowledge of forestry related resources among women and men in terms of level of Participation in meetings and community activities which seek to promote equitable participation in forest protection, conservation and management. This section examines men and women’s participation and contribution in meetings and community forestry related activities. Most qualitative findings showed that women participate more in conservation education meetings compared to men who are highly engaged in forestry development related activities such as participation in elections and leadership positions. Further findings indicate that there is low participation of youth, elderly, and persons with disabilities in forestry matters such as boundary setting, forest resource inventory etc.

d) Inclusivity/representation in leadership and governance structures Most qualitative findings showed that men are predominantly more than women in representation and leadership positions within the forest management committees. It was reported that governance by CFAs is not keen in adhering to the statutory requirement of not more than two thirds of either gender in positions. Though some of the women polled in FGDs indicated that they are members of community forest association, few reported knowing females in leadership positions of CFA. As such, there is limited female representation in decision-making processes where critical decisions on forest related matters take place.

e) Equality and equity in benefit sharing/use Equality and equity in benefit sharing and use of forestry related resources seek to ensure that both men and women have same conditions in access and benefit from the various products regardless of their sex, ability, ethnicity and age. The findings show that there is consideration of women and PWDs in benefit sharing. Women and men obtain different products, use them for different purposes and receive different benefits from forests. Non-timber forest products are extremely

important for women since they are the primary users of many forest products, such as fuel wood, wild foods and fodder. Overall, the assessment found that men perform more productive entrepreneurial forestry related activities than women who spend several hours a day collecting non-timber products across assessed counties.

f) Cultural and social, attitudes, perceptions and traditional Cultural and social attitudes seek to address barriers that hinder equal and meaningful participation. Respondents reported that cultural barriers deter women from access to forestry related resources. At household and community levels, women were said to have a key role to change attitudes and behaviors contributing to deforestation and forest degradation.

g) Gender Based Violence and insecurity In all assessed counties, there was scanty mention on the existence of gender based violence. However, some respondents reported potential of sexual harassment especially on women by criminals while in the forest. Insecurity was said to restrict access to forest resources especially for women. There were reported cases of human and wildlife conflicts affecting men and women as well as wildlife attacks on livestock.

h) Access to employment opportunities Access to employment opportunities seek to assess the employability of women, youth, PWDs and men. Through the assessment, men were found to have a higher chance of access to employment opportunities compared to women. Further findings showed that there lack an alternative source of livelihoods for men and women. Limited access and control over employment limits women’s access to income, information and leadership.

4.1.3 County Gender Inclusion Assessment Findings

The study findings represent gender inclusion in the thematic areas of access, use, conservation and management of forest resources representation and benefit sharing in 20 counties. The findings illustrate the relationships between various gender sub – groups i.e. men, women, youth and elderly on the conservation, protection and management of forest resources. The results further inform the gender gaps in policy, legislation, implementation and sustenance of forest resources. The findings per the 20 counties explicate the essence of gender inclusion in the conservation, protection and management of forest resources for sustainability.

Thematic area: use, access, conservation, management and Benefit sharing of forest resources:

Phase One:

i.Cherangany Forest (Kapolet); Trans Nzoia County

Cherangany Forest is a collection of thirteen forest reserve blocks in western Kenya, located in the Cherangani Hills on the western ridge of the East African Rift which has been gazetted into forest reserves. These forest reserves form the upper catchments of the Kerio and Nzoia and Turkwel rivers. The Sengwer/Cherangany communities are a forest dwelling community living in West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo Marakwet counties with the Sengwer community of Trans Nzoia County found within Kapolet forest that have lived in the forest before they were displaced by the colonial government. In 1963, the community presented a complaint on their settlement where in 1998, through a Presidential directive, they were settled in Kapolet forest where they were allocated 3000 ha of land of which they occupy 1845 ha with no allotment letters and are unable to access the remaining area because it is within the forest.

Awareness and knowledge of forest resources

The community demonstrated awareness on knowledge of forest resources through mapping and ranking of existing resources. Indicating the use and importance of the

resources, in order of importance, men ranked forest, rivers and quarry while women listed forest, rivers, on farm trees, livestock, herbs, honey and wild fruits. Both groups ranked forest as the most important resource. From the analysis, it can be noted that men and women attach value and importance to different resources depending on their gender roles.

The knowledge however varies depending on gender and age group. For example, the elderly men and women had a clear picture and understanding of the role of the forest in their lives and traditional ways of forest conservation. Compared to women, men were clearly aware and had an understanding of the forest resources and conservation efforts both traditional and contemporary. This was attributed to their attendance to public education/sensitization forums which they are likely to attend compared to the women. .

Use and Access of Forest Resources

The Community was in agreement that the forest is the most important resource for them, it is their source of livelihood and their lives depended on it. Women and men access and use forest resources differently. For example, women said they use the forest for fuel wood and medicinal herbs while men use the forest for harvesting honey, grazing, and cultural rites/rituals. Other uses of the forest discussed include: the forest as a water catchment areas for domestic use and feeding major rivers like Nzoia; source of clean/fresh air; rainfall attraction; source of charcoal and timber. Charcoal burning and timber harvesting was attributed to other communities.

Culturally, women are not allowed to access some sections of the forest such as where cultural rites are performed. The community also faces human-wildlife conflict which limit their access to the forest resources; insecurity due to invasion by non-forest dwelling communities which necessitates them to go deeper into the forest in search of these resources which endangers their lives. Men have devised innovative ways of accessing the forest to harvest honey; a traditionally made rope is tied between subsequent trees to enable movement.

Forest conservation, protection and management (Linkages with Communities/ stakeholders)

The respondents indicated that conservation efforts are mainly done by Kenya Forest Services (KFS) and the community. KFS raise tree nurseries and distribute tree seedlings to the community for planting at some fee. They also donate the seedlings for free to schools for planting. The community also raises tree nurseries which they sell to Community members and plant trees in their land for example in Kapchamakwer and Mogoto villages which they will use for fuel wood, timber and construction. According to the women, trees and land belong to men however both men and women agreed they had a role to play in the conservation and management of forests

Some women groups have resorted to use of alternative sources of energy such as gas (liquefied petroleum gas), while there was a group involved in making briquettes albeit at a small scale. Some also use maize stalks and cobs as an alternative source of energy to complement cooking with fuel wood. This helped to reduce reliance on the forest as a source of firewood.

The elderly men and women use indigenous knowledge to ensure the conservation of the forest. The elderly women for example ensure they pass indigenous knowledge from one generation to another including knowledge on trees with medicinal values, harvesting and administration procedures. The elderly men sensitize the youth during circumcision rites on the role and importance of conserving forests. The youth ensure the continuation of the practices of conserving the forest and its utilization as the future generations.

Incentive, and Benefit Sharing in Forest conservation

The community emphasized the need for a holistic approach which takes cognizance of the community dynamics and needs is necessary sustainable forest conservation and management. They indicated that there is a need to address issues of land injustices and other injustices for example; while appreciating the benefits of the Tranzoia water Project, they alleged that they have not benefited from the water which draws its source in their area, involve both local and indigenous community in conservation and management of forest. Also of importance is the need to document and utilize indigenous methods of forest conservation and management. The community identified various incentive and benefit sharing mechanisms which included: Health facilities; educational support for the Indigenous Peoples through scholarship/bursary programmes, development of school infrastructure and public education programmes on conservation for men, women and youth.

For sustainable management/governance of the forest, the communities recommended the need to ensure the involvement of all stakeholders including the indigenous community members. According to them any governance structure in the area must encompass indigenous structures in addition to the contemporary ones.

ii. Embobut (Kapyego) Forest; Elgeyo Marakwet County

This forest comprises of 12 administrative blocks namely Embobut Sub-Location, Olot Sub-Location, Endo Location, Maron Sub-Location, Lelan Location, Kapyego SubLocation, Enon Sub-Location, Mosop Sub-Location, Kutoyo Sub-Location, Mongorian Sub-Location, Kale Sub-Location, Chesoi Sub-Location and Ptalam Sub-Location. The gazettement of 1954 was held by the County Council as Trust Land, the gazette was re-stated by legal notice No. 174 of 29th May 1964 as a national forest reserve in the same year immediately after the independence.


All the respondents demonstrated understanding on the use and access of forest resources. Both men and women ranked the forest as the most important resource. According to the community, there was interdependence between the forest and the indigenous peoples. The men focused group ranked forest, livestock, honey and herbs as the most important resources to the community. Other resources that were mapped by the men are: wildlife, honey, wetlands/swamps, herbs, sacred/cultural sites, caves, waterfalls, livestock and sand. Women ranked forest, rivers and honey as the most important resources. Other resources mapped by the women include fruits, medicinal herbs and animal products.


The Sengwer from Kapyego, Embobut forest are dependent on the forest for their existence. Both men and women confirmed they use and access the forest as their source of livelihood and a habitat for them and their livestock. Women use the forest for collection of fuel wood, harvesting medicinal herbs, collection of wild fruits and a source of water. The men on the other hand use the forest for grazing, cultural rites, and harvesting of honey. According to the community, honey is a critical resource which the community termed as an important source of livelihood used as food, medicine and as a source of income. The youth protect the forest by alerting the community in case of invasion. Men indicated that the forest is also used for protection purposes (e.g. hiding from intruders). Other uses of the forest given by different respondents include: provision of clean air for breathing, rainfall attraction, grass for thatching houses, water catchment area, tourist attraction, provision of bush meat and wild fruits.

Despite the knowledge and understanding of forest, the community argued that they faced various challenges in access and use of the forest which were experienced differently by women, men, youth, children, PWDs and older members of the society. Other challenges cited include restriction in access of the forest as a result of gazettement of the forest and the Forest Act, 2016 which they claimed failed to recognize them as forest dwelling communities.

Drivers to Forest Degradation. & Deforestation

The respondents agreed that there are several drivers of forest degradation and deforestation. These include commercial agriculture which according to one key informant included the introduction of pyrethrum and potato farming in the area; cattle rustling and conflicts between Marakwet and Pokot which resulted to encroachment of forest; increase in population, paddocks in the forest, illegal logging, uncontrolled grazing and wildfires. Invasion of the forest by other communities was also cited. In the process, the indigenous peoples have been overpowered by these communities whereby creating a negative impression and branding of the IPs as criminals resulting to harassment by the law enforcement agencies.

Men especially the youth were mentioned as the main contributors of forest degradation/deforestation through illegal logging. The Community argued that unemployment drove the youth to engage in illegal activities.

Forest conservation, protection and management

Kenya Forest Service is involved in protecting the forest from encroachment and other illegal activities. Previously the indigenous peoples were the custodian of the forest through the clan system. The community confirmed that there was no Community Forest Association in the area. The indigenous people resisted it and claimed it was against their traditional ways of conserving the forest. The IPs have come up with community by-laws based on their indigenous knowledge to govern forest management. The leadership is

composed of all the 21 clans of the Sengwer. They have three areas of habitation/glades: Kapkok, Kaptirbai and Koropkwen. Every glade has leaders who have the responsibility of ensuring conservation and management of the forest. They have an overall leader, chairman, deputized by a woman and each glade has 30 youths. The main role of the leadership is to ensure the forest is well conserved. They guide the community on the use of the forest for example rotational grazing, regulate number of livestock per household such as 10 cows, 20 sheep and 5 goats. The leadership is also engaged in awareness creation/conservation education. They further advise the community on alternative sources of livelihoods, approve any movements in the forests, arbitrate on any conflict arising on the use of forest resources and also allocate land to the young men to ensure they don’t destroy the forests.

The community confirmed that all community members including women, men, youth, children, older members of the community had a role to play in conservation of the forest. The youth provided protection of the forest and alerted the community in case of any attack. The older women and men passed on the indigenous knowledge to the young generations. Women were also involved in the clan leadership.


The community was categorical that their involvement in forest conservation and management was important to their utilization of the forest benefit. They said that there was a need to recognize and use the indigenous knowledge in forest conservation in addition to the contemporary methods.

iii. Mukogodo, Laikipia County

The forest was gazetted as a forest reserve vide legal notice number 174 of 1964. The forest reserve is surrounded by four group ranches Representative Act 1968(Makurian, Kurukuri, Lekuruki and Ilngwesi). Mukogodo forest is made up of indigenous trees and with landscape ranges approximately 10- 40% slope. The elevation ranges between 1600-2100 meters above sea level which are closed and open forests quite rich in Biodiversity. Yaaku are among the minority communities in Kenya that is located in Laikipia North who originated from Ethiopia in 16th century and settled in the Mukogodo forest. The Yaaku community became part of the forest and has been conserving the forest as their only home.


The interviewees demonstrated a high level of awareness and knowledge about the various forest resources in their locality. The forest resources include honey, herbal medicine, fuel wood, pasture, water, manure, construction material (wood, rocks), and caves, water, firewood, sand and murram, and wild fruits. This is because their major economic activities such as Pastoralism, hunting, gathering and bee farming revolve around the forest.

It was also established that indigenous knowledge on forest resources including herbal medicines, soils, and cultural trees is passed to the offspring when they are still young. At this tender age, the children are shown and taught forest resource management and protection such as the use of herbs. However, their culture has started changing slowly due to interaction and intermarriages with other communities such as the Maasai. They have their unique dialect that is almost becoming extinct. Only about three elders are able to speak the Yaaku dialect.


Utilization and access of forest resources among the YAAKU Community is purely determined by their cultural practices and indigenous knowledge that is passed from one generation to another. Kenya Forest Services (KFS) has given YAAKU Community full mandate to access and utilize forest resources given their role in conserving indigenous trees in Mukogodo Forest. Mukogodo forest serves as a source of livelihoods, ground for cultural practices and grazing fields for livestock.

During the rainy season, the community controls access to the forest to allow regeneration of pastures that are normally used during the dry season to ensure that the community copes with drought conditions. This is one of the innovative ways the community has devised in order to adapt to the effects of droughts caused by climate change. Access to the various forest resources is permitted and granted to all members of the community by the KFS.

Use of forest resources

All members of the community utilize various forest resources. Men and youth are mostly involved in making bee hives, hunting, grazing, harvesting and herbal medicine. Women (adult and young) use forest resources to cater for household needs and serve their expected roles by society. These include among others caring for children, cooking, fetching water, collecting wild fruits and fetching firewood. The elderly are mainly concerned with the extraction of medicinal plants.

Drivers to Forest Degradation. & Deforestation (Effects of Degradation and Deforestation) Contributors

There is eminent degradation and deforestation of the forest, especially during the dry season, occasioning influx of immigrants into the forest in search of pasture. According to the interviewees, Mukogodo forest is degraded by neighboring communities like Maasai, Samburu who fell indigenous trees for livestock consumption during the dry seasons. In addition, wildlife, especially elephants also contribute to forest tree felling and hence deforestation/degradation.

Forest conservation, protection and management (Linkages with Communities/ stakeholders)

There are various initiatives towards forest conservation, protection and management of Mukogodo forest. The main forest conservation initiatives is supported by Ilmamusi Mukogodo Forest Association. This is an umbrella organization formed by the four administrative Locations in Laikipia North namely Ilngwesi, Makurian, Mukogodo and Sieku in Laikipia North of Laikipia County to coordinate and manage environmental and conservation issues within the Mukogodo forest reserve. It is a legally registered entity with the office of the registrar of societies under the Attorney General office as an Association.

The Association oversees implementation of activities such as wildlife conservation, livestock programs, security operations and other community development programs. This has resulted in the improvement of community relations and long-term self-sustainability. In addition, the association ensures clear record keeping, accurate budgeting and compliance with community and government requirements.

The state through the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, facilitates and support forest conservation initiatives. These include among others awareness creation to the community on the importance of forest conservation and management, and also mediate over community conflict apart from ensuring local level security.

“In order to ensure Mukogodo forest is well conserved and protected, YAAKU community does not cut down trees nor do they plant exotic trees for commercial purpose. In most cases firewood is collected from dead and fallen trees for household use” Male respondent.

The Community Forest Association of which the forest dwellers are members play a key role in forest conservation and protection. The association has facilitated hiring of twelve community scouts with support from development partners. The scouts, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service conduct the patrol and surveillance within the forest to establish any activities that are likely to degrade the forest. This has greatly minimized illegal tree harvesting and overgrazing in the forest.

The Yaaku community has immensely preserved the forest through avoiding any activity that would lead to degradation and deforestation. The community have continuously protected and conserved indigenous trees. To strengthen the conservation and protection of the forest, the interviewees insisted on the need for the state to invest and support women with energy saving jikos, embrace green energy appliances such as solar,

provision of longstrong beehives that reduce fire in the forest and improve access and control by women, youth and the elderly.

Use of Indigenous knowledge in Forest Management and conservation -Mukogodo forest is purely made up of indigenous trees, that are valued and used by the local communities and hence they promote the protection and conservation of forests.


Incentives, whether perceived or real, monetary or non-monetary, constitute an integral motivating factors towards enhancing forest cover and sustainable management of forest. There are a number of incentives and benefits that local communities derive from their interaction with the forest resource such as group ranching where the community owns two trucks that ferry sand to available market in the nearing major towns. During the FGD with women, it was established that women with children joining form one receive Ksh 2000, part of the profit from sand sales.

The interviewees sighted other incentives especially from the state such as road construction and youth employment. This has resulted in improvement of economic development and livelihood. Through the levies charged from conservancies within the locality, the community has benefited from development projects such as construction of health facilities, schools, drilling of boreholes among others. In addition, it was established that honey harvesting is a major economic activity that compliments income from livestock.

Through awareness creation by state and non-state actors, women have established greenhouses which they use to plant tree seedlings, vegetables and fruits. The clan which comprise elderly men hold consultative meetings with the Samburu community with an aim to sensitize them on the importance of forest conservation and promotion of peace among the community.

iv. Loita Forest/Narok County

Loita Forest is located in Narok South, Narok County where the sub-county is largely cosmopolitan with an average of 42% representation of ethnic groups in Kenya due to the existence of several economic activities such as farming and tourism. There are two communities within the sub-county: the Ogiek Community who are an indigenous group that has fashioned themselves as living with, and not in forests and the Loita who are treated as a special group that plays a special role in forest conservation due to their unique culture. The Loita community has unique ways of forest conservation which is evidenced by the forest being among the least interfered with forest blocks, not as a result of policing, but largely so due to self-embedded cultural practices. Residents treat the forest as part of their heritage and that speaks volumes on the role of Indigenous People in forest conservation

Awareness and knowledge of forest resources Loita Forest

According to the respondents, apart from elderly women categories majority of the respondents were aware of the available forest resources within their locality. The respondents noted that the local community are aware of the need to conserve forest with support from the National Government. The local community is involved in protecting the forest and tree planting.

Halve of the women respondents noted that CBOs within the locality educate people on climate change and have been advocating for forest conservation through Friends of Loita forest group and Soraro Youth group within Loita Sub County. Majority of men respondents noted that the community has established local committee in various location and advice and decide on how to use the forest for example the number of trees to fell and for what purpose. Men category leads in the level of awareness while women and the elderly women have the lowest basic understanding and knowledge. The men are in various committees and are involved in decision making and management of forest resources. There is a general low level awareness about forest conservation for youth as most of them are involved in illegal activities of felling trees as compared to men and the elderly who protects the forest resources.

Users of Forest Resources in Loita

Forest dependent communities and the local community living near the forest are strongly dependent on the services that ecosystems provide, such as forest and environmental resources Women’s focus group discussion revealed that the larger percentages of women are the main users of forest resources and they collect firewood, water, herbs and fruits for use in the household as compared to men who take the cattle to graze in the forest. Men revealed that the larger percentages of rural dwellers are sole dependent on forest and environmental resources for commercial utilization (timber and charcoal) and also to fulfill household needs such as fuel wood, wild fruits and roots, bush meat, and natural medicine to cure several ailments. Herbs are a source of their traditional medicine which helps in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The herbs are administered on their infants to boost their immunity. Before newborns are weaned off, they are given herbs which help in increasing their body weight.

The elderly respondents revealed that the local communities mainly uses the forest to get building materials, firewood and some trees are used for ceremonial purposes during cultural celebrations especially Mutamayio (olea africana) tree. According to the case narrative by the elderly they revealed that the Laibons have set aside certain species of trees for spiritual worship and the locals are not allowed to access trees because the local communities believe that they are rainmakers.

Drivers to Forest Degradation and Deforestation

Commented [1]: Adopt Forest dependent communities

Human interference through felling of trees for fuel wood, timber for construction and charcoal production has led to deforestation. Population increase has also led to encroachment of forest areas. Livestock are moved to forests during the drought period to graze from there. Among the Maasai, women are involved in mining of precious stones for commercial purposes from forests which leaves open trenches, posing a threat to livestock and human beings. Destruction of rivers through diversion of water for irrigation purposes has led to water shortages downstream causing conflicts in the community.


Soraro Youth Group is involved in forest policing and sensitization on matters conservation to the locals. Local scouts patrol the forest on a voluntary basis to ensure non-interference from all quarters. Cultural leaders/Rainmakers popularly known as “Laibon” play a role in forest conservation through issuance of instructions on conservation. Such include restricting the community from accessing certain parts of the forest or felling certain tree species. There are also Laibons from every village who assist in ensuring full community involvement in forest conservation. Embarking on reforestation of already degraded forest areas, Capacity building and workshops to enlighten the community on the importance of forest conservation and motivation and recognition for those on the frontline in forest conservation.

Exchange programs for community members in order to sharpen their skills and knowledge on conservation.


The communities suggested that various gender groups be engaged in different ways and that interventions be designed to bring equal participation and equity. The indigenous persons of Loita forest contend that there is a need to focus on empowerment of women and youth geared towards forest conservation. Women ought to be given the lead role in forest conservation. Policies geared towards active groups. Suggested incentives for women included guaranteed access to market weaving and basketry products, provision of clean energy solutions such as energy saving jikos and harnessing of biogas.

The men suggested they could set up camping sites for tourists which would bring about gainful employment. They also suggested coming up with tree nurseries and seedlings for sale and planting to boost forest conservation efforts. On their part, the youth called for concrete measures and programmes to secure them capacity in entrepreneurial skills through formation of groups, training on business skills and access to capital through affordable loans. There was consensus on the need to have regulations put in place in order to access incentives in a transparent manner/accountability

v.Baraget Forest, Nakuru County

Baraget Forest is located in Kuresoi Sub-county in Nakuru County. The community is cosmopolitan, with Kipsigis being the Majority, followed by the Kikuyu, Kisii who are immigrants and Ogiek. The forest areas were well protected, used for grazing, farming, cultural practices and the indigenous used to look for herbs from the forest used by parents to “determine sex of their unborn child and also treat diseases and they never took their children to the hospitals as compared to date.

Uses of Forest Resources in Kuresoi

The KIIs respondents noted that women had a high level of dependence on forest resources whereby they gathered more of the forest resources followed by female youth than men who mostly engaged in commercial forestry. This was attributed to the fact that women interact more with natural and forest resources and their engagement in farming activities coupled with easier for them to gather at their disposal. High women and female dependency on forest resources could be likely attributed to the productive role, reproductive roles and domestic responsibilities culturally assigned in each household and community especially among the Ogiek community. In the late 70s, local community and IPs were not allowed to fell trees but cut specific parts of the tree for medicinal purposes and the trees are filled back with soil to regenerate.

The Ogiek were also not allowed culturally to hunt expectant wild animals or even young ones and the youth were mostly educated on restraining from the same.

Drivers of Forest Degradation & Deforestation

Respondents cited poverty, pressure for farmland as well as pasture as key drivers of forest degradation and deforestation. As a result women have had to walk long distances in search of water and to venture deeper in search for firewood that has become tedious.

Men who were herders had to reduce their stocks thus affecting their income because they no longer sell forest produce like timber, lack of honey, reduction in materials for construction and firewood due to deforestation. The youth also noted that they have migrated to other areas in search of income because they are no longer to sell timber and other forest produce. The duty bearers also noted that the local communities’ challenges of destruction of seedlings by wild animals, fires during the dry season especially during honey harvesting and charcoal burning, drying up of seedlings as a result of drought and pollution of rivers from upstream by the large scale farmers.


All the respondents noted that there are efforts to conserve forest resources. They noted that various groups have been established to conserve and manage the forest, establishment of tree nurseries for both indigenous and exotic trees. Some forest conservation efforts in the area include: rehabilitation of degraded areas by various stakeholders, campaigns to plant trees, and farmers educated on forest conservation during public Baraza, involvement of various stakeholders during environment days, involvement of CFA and adjacent communities in forest conservation, strengthening of CBOs through capacity building on the importance of forest conservation.

The local communities volunteer as forest scouts guards in order to protect the forest from encroachment. The Ministry of Environment and forestry has imposed a moratorium on logging in public and private forests to enhance natural regeneration in the forests. The KIIs respondent’s noted that the community is working in collaboration with the relevant Government agencies such as KWS and KFS in forest conservation matters, restraining the public from carrying out Illegal activities in the forest through policing and sensitizing the community in matters of conservation. This also revealed that the local community is practicing rain water harvesting during rainy seasons and planting of trees in their farms as well as in the forest.


As relates to incentives respondents called for the establishment of income generating activities and environmental education on forest conservation. Such include tree nurseries, eco -tourism, beekeeping initiatives, clean energy saving jikos for women and table banking. On benefit sharing, respondents said there was need to develop a framework for identifying beneficiaries which includes sharing guidelines for the process

to be transparent and accountable. Additionally, there is a need to promote carbon crediting in order to improve forest conservation efforts consider the possibility of empowering youth to do forest conservation by way of beekeeping and honey harvesting

Through registered group youth can do value addition and market their honey locally and internationally.

vi. Mt. Elgon Forest; Bungoma County

The study was conducted in Kopsiro in Chepyuk block and Labot in Chepkitale block, of Mt.Elgon forest.


The most significant forest resources identified by men are: land, trees, rivers and grass for their livestock. On the other hand, women identified honey, herbs, vegetables and rivers as significant resources. Other resources identified by men are caves, salt licks for livestock, wildlife, hills, mountains, bamboo, vegetables, swamps, insects, rocks and valleys while women identified the mountains, trees, caves, grassland, springs, rivers, rocks, wild animals, birds, salt licks, ceremonial soil and wild fruits. It is important to note that only men identified land as a significant resource, while women associate it with the other resources.

Use and Access of Forest Resources.

Men use forest glades as grazing fields for their livestock and rivers as a source of water for domestic use. Trees are used as a source of herbs, rain, honey since they hang their bee hives in the forest and they also produce nectar for bees, as sacred places for rituals, while the deadwood are used for construction and firewood. Women reported use of forest resources such as dead wood for firewood, as a source of honey, herbs, water, clean air and as shades for animals. The community gets grass for thatching their houses from the swamps close to the glades. In addition, a key informant reported that the different gender groups use the forest for income generating activities such as ecotourism, scientific education, basket weaving, and merry go round. This was corroborated by a 58 year old male respondent who stated:

“Men use the forest as a source of cedar posts and bamboo for building, fencing and for bringing soft cash, a source of salt licks for livestock and illegal hunting … harvesting of herbs is by both men and women while fruits is by all.”

Accessibility of forest resources by men is guided community by- laws. These by-laws include: harvesting of honey only with consent of a neighbor who would help in case of emergence of forest fires; not approaching rivers directly, rather they encourage meandering to prevent soil erosion through the footpaths; harvesting of herbs through extracting specific parts of tree such as branches and the extended roots, without harming the whole tree and harvesting of grass thatch in a spatial plan and not commercializing the grass to enable sustainability. Grazing is done in moorland through paddocks to enable restoration of forage. In this community cutting down an entire tree is not allowed, they are only allowed to cut the branches.

Drivers of Forest Degradation and Deforestation

The study participants reported that forest degradation and deforestation is mostly caused by the local communities living adjacent to the forest. The key drivers of deforestation were identified as charcoal burning; building posts; firewood; grazing; encroachment for cultivation purposes; honey harvesting resulting to forest fires and logging for timber for commercial purposes especially of the indigenous trees such as Elgon Teak and Cedar as stated by a male key informant

“… the Kalasinga of Raiply were given a permit to cut down hundreds of acres of indigenous forest in Mt. Elgon.”

Men contribute to very significant degradation of forests through illegal logging for timber, charcoal burning, forest fires and grazing. Adult and elderly women contribute to forest degradation through harvesting of firewood and herbs (as they destroy the roots and backs leaving to drying up of trees) while girls through collection of firewood. Both men and women contribute to forest degradation through cattle grazing and harvesting

of honey. Population growth has contributed greatly to deforestation and in Chepyuk currently, there is increased pressure to the government to de-gazette phase 3 of the settlement scheme. KFS has cut down indigenous trees to create land for plantation (shamba system).

Respondents unanimously agreed that forest degradation and deforestation has led to observable changes in weather patterns and climate characterized by: delayed rains, too much rain bringing about flash floods, unpredictable rain patterns, overlapping seasons, and siltation.


There seems to be no significant differences in the roles of men and women in forest conservation. In Chepyuk specifically, both men and women participate in groups that grow seedlings in tree nurseries, which they sell to the community to plant in own farms and to substitute forest dependence. In enhancing efforts to conserve the forest, men sensitize the community on the way of protecting and conserving the forest without commercializing its resources, and upholding the ancestral way of life to adhere to community by-laws. The roles of women in conservation was identified as a collaborative responsibility in protecting forests through putting off forest fires and using dead wood for firewood as opposed to cutting down trees. Women harvest herbs from branches and some roots without harming the main tree.

Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has been restoring the forest by banning the shamba system (cultivation in the forest) in Chepyuk, firewood harvesting and timber logging. The service has also demarcated areas for grazing and continues to sensitize the locals through barazas and offering technical support to the communities in terms of quality seeds, soil and polythene bags. They enforce the law by prohibiting forest activities and regulating own farm felling of trees through issuance of permits. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) also collaborates with KFS in putting off forest fires and reinforcing security patrol in the forest.

Women reported that the Ministry of Interior is a key player in forest conservation through providing reinforcements in arresting of illegal users of forest resources. The community also has scouts who patrol the forest to prevent intruders who may destroy the forest. The Chepkitale Ogiek Governing Council (COGC) was reported as a key player in forest conservation by enforcing the community by-laws.

There were however mixed feelings on the role of KFS in forest conservation and were blamed for forest degradation. In Chepyuk, Water Resource Users Association (WARUA) also preserves the forest through prohibition of land cultivation along riverbanks to prevent siltation.

Commented [2]: Add to Acronyms and Glossaries

Men from the indigenous people reported to have been left out in the forest conservation by KFS and requested to be involved in such efforts. Women suggested that involvement can be done through reinforcing the efforts of community scouts through appropriate arming to improve the security of the forest and supporting them with modern means of harvesting honey to prevent forest fires. They raised concerns that indigenous trees should not be cleared because they are irreplaceable. Women identified adoption of clean energy such as improved jikos as another measure targeting women in forest conservation.

Incentive and Benefit Sharing in Forest Conservation

The respondents noted that the REDD+ process is capable of addressing challenges in forest conservation, but noted the following considerations should be met:

1. Community Forest Associations should come up with management plans and work plans for implementation;

2. Rewarding of rangers and scouts in forest conservation;

3. A transparent approach that involves the County, the National government and community gatekeepers for ownership should be adopted. This should be done through sensitization, engagement and participation; and

4. The possible benefit sharing mechanism to consultatively be communicated to the community indicating the amount, and the proportion that goes to the project and that which Site Emerging Issues/ they get as direct benefit or as income.

vii. Lembus-Narasha Forest; Baringo County

The forest has indigenous tree species as well as exotic and is an extension of Mau forest complex. There are two types of forests; Indigenous forests which are native trees and Exotic forests which are plantations.


The interviewees were aware of the various forest resources in their locality. All the interviewees (100%) were able to recognize and state the various forest resources. They were also aware of the gender patterns in terms of forest resource use and access. In addition, the KIs were able to relate REDD+ project and the changing climate.

“In the past the place was cold you could not walk around without a sweater. Changes started at around the year 2000 and now its warmer you can walk without a sweater. Drought came in, maize is no longer doing very well and sickness came in to both people and crops.” Woman Village elder.

The forest resources in Lembus include wood fuel for local communities, herbs for traditional healers, source of food under the Plantation Establishment for Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS), honey production, grasslands, source of timber for various uses, recreation centers, quarry, source of clean air and water. Lembus Forest also acts as a sanctuary sites/shrine and the local communities conduct cultural practices such as circumcision. It is also a source of both permanent and seasonal rivers including Perkera, Molo and Esageri/Emining.

During the disucussions, men identified more forest resources than the women. In the gender differentiated focused group discussions, women listed seven (7) forest resources that they relate with while men listed fourteen (14) forest resources (Table 1).


The forest is used by the entire local community and the government. All gender groups are users of the forest including women, men, youth, PWDs and the elderly persons. Historically, the forest has many connections to the Lembus community. The sacred sites for instance are used for traditional activities like initiations which connects the local communities to the forest hence they attach high premium and value to the forest. The Community Forest Associations are the main users of forest and they benefit from the forest through cultivation of land and planting of new trees (Plate 1). The government through the Kenya Forest Services get revenue from permitting and licensing processes. Quantify number of licenses/ permits issued vs revenue collected overtime from Lembus Forest.

There are distinct gender patterns in forest resource use. For instance, the youths are more involved in logging and quarrying while the women use the forest mainly for farming and honey production. The elderly women extract medicinal plants and occasionally send the youths to collect these for them. Some of the herbs are sold to local traditional healers.

Forest Resource Access

Forest resources within Lembus Forest are accessed by all members of the community and the state. Access to forest resources does not pose a major challenge to different gender groups as long as one has 0btained the requisite permit/user right fee. This comprise of Ksh 100 per month for fuelwood collection and Ksh 100 per cow per month for grazing. For PELIS, members of CFA pay Ksh 750 per year for 3 years to undertake farming on a half-acre parcels within the forest block. However, water is collected free of charge.

While there are no major challenges in access, control of the forest resources remains a major challenge especially to the women. For instance, the harvest and proceeds from the PELIS program which women provide critical and insurmountable input and labour, subsequently become locked up by men/husbands hence control of how much, when and how to use the proceeds is determined by the men.

“When we harvest maize from the forest and take it home, our husbands take full control and we can do nothing about it. Even the trees planted in the farm whether by the woman or the man, the felling and harvesting is done by the men and they control the resources including the money” woman respondent.

Drivers to Forest Degradation & Deforestation Drivers

The drivers of forest degradation and deforestation are diverse and multifaceted. This include both direct and indirect drivers such as agriculture, mining, quarrying, grazing, timber harvesting, illegal logging, charcoal burning, reliance on fuelwood as the main household energy for cooking.

Almost all gender groups contribute to forest degradation and deforestation. However, the kind and scale of contribution differs. For example, adult men and male youth are the greatest drivers of degradation through commercial illegal logging, quarrying and grazing. Women on the other hand contribute to this menace through firewood collection and farming along river banks. Herbal medicine collection is mainly a male domain. Men are the leaders in changaa brewing and general land degradation in forests ecosystem.

“The youth participate actively in forest degradation and deforestation through illegal logging which they practice sometimes in the night in order to prevent being arrested by CFA leaders and/or KFS/state. The illegal logging is not only done using power saw but occasionally using hacksaw in a silent manner”.

During an interview with one of the respondents, it was reported that women sometimes fell growing trees, leave them to dry and come back to collect them as dead wood and dry wood. Boda bodas are used to ferry the firewood to the market places.


There are various initiatives towards forest conservation, protection and management of Lembus forest. The government through KFS has established an annual tree planting initiative to bolster afforestation and restoration of degraded forest ecosystems, different marathons in Chemosusu and Ravine in order to mobilize local communities’ participation in forest conservation, protection and management. In addition, the existence of the ban from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry relating to forest logging and related activities within the forest, has contributed to improved trees/forest cover and general land management within this forest block.

Community Forest Associations (CFA) are established by the Forest Act 2015 to promote community participation in forest management. The main activities in forest conservation and management by CFA include: Planting trees through PELIS; identify degraded areas and plant indigenous trees as well as monitor illegal activities in the forest – act as watchdogs for the state.

In order to promote community’s participation and livelihood enhancement, the government the shamba system (PELIS) where farmers are given land at a small fee then in return they plant and nurture trees for a period of 3 years. The Kenya Forest Service then evict them from the forest to allow the trees to mature. However, women are concerned by the fact that after nurturing and contributing labour, the trees are

eventually sold by the State at a fee of Ksh 8,000-10,000 per tree without getting any of the proceed emanating from the sale of the trees.

The Lembus Council of elders and non-state actors participate in forest conservation and management by protecting existing indigenous tree species within the forest. In addition, the Kiplombe Foundations (local organization) in collaboration with development partners like Safaricom Foundation have been organizing tree planting as part of activities during the marathon. This also acts as a way of creating awareness to local communities on forest conservation. During such activities various groups ranging from leaders, women, youth and elderly participate hence promotes ownership of forest ecosystems.

The Kenya Forest Service is duty bound to conserve, manage and protect the forest through surveillance monitoring, enforcement of the forest laws and ensure appropriate policies and laws are enacted to ensure the achievement of sustainable forest management. There are efforts by the state/KFS to conserve forest through tree planting, adoption of renewable energy such as solar and biogas to relieve pressure of overreliance on forest product as well as agroforestry and agri-silviculture. The chiefs undertake periodic arrest of the illegal loggers and create awareness to the community on forest conservation.


Incentives, whether perceived or real, monetary or non-monetary, constitute an integral motivating factors towards enhancing forest cover and sustainable management of forest. There are a number of incentives and benefits that local communities derive from their interaction with the forest such as PELIS, subsidized fees for accessing important forest resources for income and livelihood are some of the visible incentives for the local communities. The government provides seeds to the community to establish tree nurseries, the seedlings of which, are partly sold to the government.

Other benefits from forest resources include improved health and wellbeing as a result of micro climate and clean water as well as medicinal herbs. However, there are underlying attitudes and misconceptions regarding the existence of some of those incentives and benefits resulting in a lack of appreciation of the ecosystem goods and services (benefits) derived from the forest. For instance, despite the many benefits within the forest, the youth’s “quick fix” mindset inhibit them from optimal and sustainable utilization of forest resources. This has resulted in youth engaging in criminal and forest degrading activities such as illegal logging and quarrying.

Benefit sharing remains a key problem between Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The benefits and profits accruing from the sale of mature trees, which communities nurture and take care of does not trickle down to the local communities.

viii. Talao Forest; West Pokot County


Both men and women were aware of the forest resources. The resources identified by men included, rivers, trees, hills, springs, herbs, rocks, construction sand, honey, birds, wild animals, grass and fruits. Women on the other hand identified vegetables, trees, hills, rivers, firewood, herbs, sand, murram, honey, ritual soil (known as oka in the native language), ceremonial trees, grass thatch, building posts, ropes and fruits. While men highlighted rivers, springs, trees and herbs as the most significant resources in the order of priority, women highlighted trees, hills, rivers and honey as the most significant forest resources.


Men reported use of rivers and springs as a source of water for irrigation, farming, domestic use like cooking, and bathing. During rite of passage, young men are taken to the forest where they stay for a certain duration. In addition, men use trees for building, fencing, beekeeping, firewood, herbs and fruits. Older men use the forest to perform traditional rituals.

Women however reported use of trees for herbs, salt licks for animals, bee keeping, charcoal burning, building timber and poles while they use hills as meeting points. They reported easy access to rivers both in communal areas as well as in private properties. However, they reported restrictions in cultivating along the river banks and sand

harvesting even at own farms. Traditionally, only men could access bee hives in forests, while women only accessed underground honey. Young men are more involved in illegal logging for timber and brewing of illicit brews in the forest.

Degradation of defined forest resources

A transect walk of Talao area paints a picture of an area that was once endowed with natural forest cover. It has traces of conserved forest and evidence of human activities in the exploitation of the forest resources.


Phase Two:

ix.Nyeri County- Aberdares, Mt. Kenya and Gathiuru Forest Blocks

Introduction

Nyeri County is situated between longitudes 360 and 380East and between the equator and latitude 0038’ South. The county covers an area of 3,266 km2 with an arable land of 2,349 km2and 917 km2 being semiarid. Nyeri County borders Laikipia to the North, Kirinyaga to the East, Muranga to the South, Nyandarua to the West and Meru to the North East. The main physical features of the county are Mt. Kenya (5,199m) to the east and the Aberdare ranges (3,999m) to the west. The county also has huge forests such as Zaina Forest, Gathiuru Forest, Nanyuki Forest, National parks, and forested hills like the Nyeri Hill, rivers like Muringato, Chania, Nanyuki rivers among other resources and attraction sites. Nyeri County is endowed with vast forest resources with Mount Kenya forest being the largest forest in the County housing Gathiuru and Nanyuki while the second largest is Aberdares Forest which has the Zaina Forest. Most areas of Nyeri County are characterized with plenty of surface water. Most of the water comes from the slopes of Mt. Kenya, Aberdares and the surrounding forests, which act as the catchment area. Also, much of the water is retained by the volcanic rocks in the region, so most of the rivers rising from here are permanent and have enough discharge to keep the dry eastern lowlands well watered.

Gender issues

Men were more than women where men’s age predominantly age ranging from 35- 60 years. The men who were more in below the age of 25 years as compared to women.

02468

1012141618

< 25 >60 25-35 35-45 45-60 < 25 >60 25-35 35-45 45-60

Female Male

Gender & Age

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14Animals feeding on crop

Labor required to work on the forest is hardNo programs for elderly women

Women stay away from deep forest for fear of…Bad access roads

Crop diseasesHigh cost of pelis

Lack of grazing area due to 1Loss of agricultural produce

No issuesPoor infrastructure

Protection of the forestWildlife conflict

Women are overburdened to work in the…

Fem

ale

Mal

e

Gender Issues

Recommendations

a. Capacity building and training for both duty bearers and rights holders

b. Provide economic empowerment through targeted strategies (credit access/market access)

c. Ban brokerage of forest resources

d. Design affirmative action programs for vulnerable groups

e. Improve infrastructure

f. Job creation

g. Strengthen CFA leadership and management

h. Increase access to farm inputs

i. Address gender based violence

j. Address casual labor within the forest

x. Embu County - Njukiri, Irangi and Kiang’ombe Forest Blocks

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Banning of brokers

Fencing would control Human wildlife conflictWildlife control

Banning of brokersCreation of employment

Empowering the CFAGive loans for farming

Improve road acesssIncrease more land for Pelis

KFS allocate resources to improve forests…Preference of accessing resources should…

Fem

ale

Mal

e

County Recommendations

Introduction

Embu County takes the form of a scalene triangle drawn scantily using an unsteady hand. Its apex is thrust into Mount Kenya Park, and the imaginary triangle then inclines moderately from apex to base. The area north and south of Embu County is strikingly different and is majorly composed of two distinct zones with different agro-climatic variations; with the cool, healthy and fertile zone in upper area around Mount Kenya. Its notable hills, confined to the northern half, consist of Kiangombe and Kianjiru Hills separated by a wide valley through which the River Tana has cut its path. It’s host to the regionally famed seven forks hydro electric dam project, which is a series of five major dams constructed along its southern border, along River Tana, that collectively generate 543 MW, placing its contribution to the national installed HydroElectric Power (H.E.P) capacity at 75%.

Kiangombe draws its name from the historical practice where farmers took their livestock to this hill for grazing. Irangi is an Important Bird Area (IBA) with rich biological diversity in terms of ecosystems and species. Irangi has 29 permanent rivers and main land use is natural forests. Njukiri hosts different falls that are created by the Rupingazi River and has 25% indigenous species. It is also famous for Camp Ndunda for recreation and eco tourism.

Gender issues ( to be illustrated by graphs pie chart)

The respondents surveyed in Embu County were a balanced gender representation with 52% being men and 48% women which covered the four sub-groups men, women, youth and elderly. The average age for the men and women was between 35years and 60 years as the majority.


The respondents were relatively educated with a majority with a secondary education as well as men having a large portion educated than women who also had a few with no formal education.

Female48%Male

52%

Embu County Gender

0

5

10

15

20

25

Female Female Male Female Male Female Male

None Primary Secondary Tertiary

Education

Gender Issues

Both male and female respondents were of the view that human wildlife conflicts affected them most significantly with fetching fuel wood and no water standing out for men and women respectively. Insecurity and poor infrastructure affected men and women in utilization of the forest resources.

Recommendations

0 5 10Access to forest resources is curbed with…Men are not allowed to collect firewood

No water so men have to walk far and dig…Security

Wildlife conflicts -elephants, buffaloWomen working more than men

Fetching of firewoodInsecurity

NonThere are gatekeepers in the community…

Wildlife conflicts

Fem

ale

Mal

e

Gender Issues

xi. Makueni County- Kibwezi and Makuli Forests

Introduction

Makueni County is located in the former Eastern Province of Kenya. Its capital and largest town is Wote. The county has a population of 987,653 (2019 census). The county

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Access to permits for resources

Community mobilization on climate change through…Create tourist attractions

Creation of groups to improve on forest security.Fence the forest with one gate

Fire land allocationGive loans for livelihood

Help women and youth seek alternative sources of…Improve the management of this forest

Involve youth in forest managementMore trees planting in old farming area

Projects to promote eco tourismRecreational facilities that will generate an income

County Recommendations

lies between Latitude 1o 35 ́ and 32 00 ́ South and Longitude 37o10 ́ and 38o 30 ́ east.

The county has 4 forest stations that each manage several hills of forest. The forests within the county are namely: Makuli, Nthangu, Mbooni, Kilungu and Kibwezi. The Kibwezi Forest block borders the Chyulu Hills semi-arid forests.

Makuli forest station (Makuli-Nguuta Forest) has an open boundary with CFAs managing the allocated buffer zones while Kibwezi forest station is fully fenced and surrounded by Tsavo National Park and several forest plantations on private land. This combination of the two provides for a broader perspective on fencing, role of CFA in forest protection as well as the potential of private forest farms. The Kibwezi Forest Reserve, is one of Kenya’s last remaining groundwater woodlands and is part of Tsavo Conservation Area. It is managed in partnership with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust having secured a 30 year concession to conserve and sustain the environment and its biodiversity.

Gender Issues ( to be illustrated by graphs and pie chart)

1. Men are more involved in CFA management than women, but the youth are not

2. The demand for wood and non-wood products is the driver of deforestation

3. Women are not actively involved in the active running of the CFA

4. Youth are not involved in the running of the CFA

5. There is a lot more men engaged in logging than women

6. Women are more involved in compost manure collection than wood cutting.

7. The youth are more involved in any forest benefit (direct or indirect) that has incentive e.g. offer transportation for the compost manure collected

8. There are representation and management issues for community members on the CFA.

9. There is pressure from demand for timber on the forest. this compounded with poverty results in cases of illegal logging

10. The community is highly appreciative of the success of buffer zones to protect the forest, but note that the same should be improved

11. Men and women have a strong uptake of private forests.

12. Women and youth as actively engaged in community nurseries and fruit tree germination

Recommendations

a. THe management of CFA needs to be addressed as it is captured by a few men.

b. KFS to work closer with the buffer zone committees as a means of better enforcement

c. More women should be involved in decision making processes.

d. KFS should increase their manpower on the forest, more rangers for enforcement, and also recruitment of community rangers to help with closer monitoring

e. Consider support and empowerment of community nurseries, especially by women groups. This support is in the form of a market for their seedlings (KFS to source from them), providing quality seed (KEFRI) and linkage to other communities for cross learning and exchange.

f. Training on germination of sensitive tree species (e.g Mukau)

g. The Community isn’t benefiting from Kibwezi forest. with the fencing done, wildlife and tourism activities ongoing, the community should be getting some benefits.

xii. Kitui County- Mutitu Forest

Introduction

Kitui County lies in the former Eastern Province of Kenya. Its capital and largest town is Kitui, although Mwingi is also another major urban centre. The county has a population of 1,136,187 (KNBS 2019 census) and an area of 30,430 km2. The county has a gazetted Forest that is principally composed of standalone Hill Forests namely; Engaba Hill, Mutitu Hill, Endau Hill and Makongo Hill forests. Each Hill area is surrounded by individually owned farm lands of communities that benefit directly and indirectly from the forest.

Mutitu Forest is situated in Kitui County and it emerges as inselbergs, from arid scrubland vegetation at 800 m plains, rising to about 1580 m above sea level. The climate is arid and semi-arid with characteristic erratic and unreliable rainfall. Mean annual rainfall ranges from as low as 500 mm in the lowlands to 1050 mm in the hilltop (Reference).


1. Men are the primary users of the forest for Timber/logging, collecting firewood

2. Human and wildlife conflicts affect both men and women especially the monkeys that destroy their crops

3. Youth are not keen to be involved in the forest conservation and management because they are excluded from the CFA and also lack any form of incentivisation.

4. Women are not in any level of leadership/representation in the management of CFAs

5. Women primarily use the forest for firewood collection and water collection( during dry season).

6. Older Men have been engaged in conservation and even have woodlocks in their private farms.

7. Older men prefer Indigenous tree species due to their better rate of survival and also the medicinal value.

8. Youth are organized into a conservation youth group that is still new and stabilizing. this is due to their feeling of being left out of the CFA

9. There is a gap in the engagement of the community through a CFA. The existing CFA is not active and most members present affirmed that it has not allowed for new members to join nor hold frequent meetings ( relay and collect information).

Recommendations

a. community involvement

b. access (forest moratorium impact)

c. Improve security to access forest resources

d. Community empowerment in tree planting

e. establish award scheme

f. establish tree nurseries

g. improve access roads

h. increase security person

xiii. Samburu County - Kirisia and Mathew Ranges Forest Blocks

Introduction

Samburu county is in the former Rift Valley Province, Kenya. It covers an area of roughly 21,000 km2 (8,000 mi2) in northern Kenya where the Samburu community are the majority inhabitants. Samburu has several biospheres with Kirisia hills and Mathew Ranges among them. The Matthews (or Mathews) Range, also known as the Lenkiyio Hills, is a range of mountains in Kenya, Africa. The area is isolated, and holds forests of juniper and cycads. It is home to elephants and other large mammals, and was one of the last places in northern Kenya to have wild Black Rhinos.

Community on their own or voluntarily came out of the forest and formed CFAs which are now managing, protecting, and conserving Kirisia Forest. InMathew Ranges, the comjunity is organized into a conservancy made up of different ranches who conserve the forest while benefiting from it. Compared to kulal forest community by laws are strictly adhered to and mazingira ya wazee are mandated in implementation of the by laws


1. Traditional practices (women access to forest resources is restricted / during traditional ceremonies eg circumcision

2. Resource Equity (Some resources are specifically assigned to men and women eg firewood for women and honey for women / Women mostly require permission to fetch construction poles

3. Breastfeeding (women are unable to access the forest when breastfeeding)

4. Leadership and decision making (Governance, inclusion in leadership positions are male dominated and participation of women in conservation activities is passive - limited to occasional attendance of meetings when called by men or chief

5. Vulnerability (elderly and widowed women evicted from the forest have been left homeless and helpless)

Recommendations

xiv. Marsabit County- Mt. Kulal

Introduction

. Kulal Forest is found within Mt Kulal Biosphere Reserve situated to the east of the southern end of Lake Turkana, with Mount Kulal forming the core of the reserve. Due to the unique and varied ecosystems on the mountain and surroundings, the area was designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve in 1979 through an agreement between the Government of Kenya and the Secretariat of MAB. The core zone of the reserve consists of a mist forest at the top of Mt Kulal and measures about 5700 Hectares. The forest comprises of two blocks, namely Arapal or the North block and Gatab or the South block.

Mt Kulal forest and the Biosphere reserve as a whole has unique landscapes and great potential for the development of ecotourism for the benefit of the local people. The areas surrounding the mountain comprise a variety of landscapes and habitats, including Lake Turkana and a volcanic island (South Island), an extensive lava desert, hot springs, sand dunes and seasonal water courses. The mountain has deep scenic gorges and a forest at the summit.

1. Mount Kulal Forest as an important source of livelihood for the community

The forest is an important source of water for the communities living around it. There are a number of springs and water holes on the mountain. A number have been built as catchments for piped water which flows by gravity to a number of holding tanks. The forest is the main source of wood and non-wood forest products the villagers. The deep gorges are used by Morans (young warriors) for their cultural activities while the forest acts as a refuge during intertribal wars.

Cedar is an important source of fencing and building material while the African olive, is an important source of fuel wood. During prolonged droughts people bring their animals up the mountain and into the forest. Once in the forest, they lop off branches of specific species for fodder. In extreme drought, many other plants in the forest can be used by animals.

The forest and the surrounding areas are major sources of herbal medicine for the local community. Some plants are used in soup (mainly by moran) while women add certain plants to children’s milk given to fortify it. Both lmakutukuti (Clerodendrum myricoides) and lng’iriyantus (Boerhavia coccinea) are planted in homesteads for their medicinal value. Other leading medicinal plants include segetet (Myrsine africana), lkokola (Rhamnus staddo) and lkinyil (Rhamnus prinoides). Other forest products include clubs and sticks, toothbrush and honey. Good toothbrush trees include lkinyei (Euclea schimperi).


1. Traditional practices (women access to forest resources is restricted / during traditional ceremonies eg circumcision

2. Resource Equity (Some resources are specifically assigned to men and women eg firewood for women and honey for women / Women mostly require permission to fetch construction poles

3. Women are hardly engaged in activities and only come to know about them later. Agencies reinforce this perception by seeking men first whenever they want to engage the community

4. Decision Making ( It is the preserve of men to make decisions )

5. Leadership and participation (leadership positions are male dominated and participation of women in conservation activities is passive - attendance of meetings)

6. Ownership (Community land ownership limits participation of women in conservation- male inheritance)

7. Disregard of cultural taboos (men fear losing authority due to lack of legal backup for traditional enforcement mechanisms - restrictions and punishments on forest resource use / women are not allowed to issue precautions on conservation

Recommendations

xv. Kiambu County- Kieni, Kereita, Ragia Forest Block

Introduction

Kereita Forest is located in Lari Sub-county, Kiambu County. Kereita forest, under the Aberdare forest eco-system, is an outstanding place with natural beauty, 75% of indigenous trees, 8% exotic forest and the rest are bamboo, shrub-land and herbaceous crops. It’s classified as an important bird area by birdlife international organisation and is surely a bird watchers paradise. It’s a home to the magnificent waterfall on the Gatamaiyu River, a cave that is home to a small colony of bats and wild animals. The forest also contains a multitude of wildlife activity, with some 138 species of bird, 31 of the bird species are from the forest and 20 of them are considered rare including three endemic species, one being the Abbott’s Starling, where it is recorded nearly all year around. African elephants are occasionally found wandering into Kereita from Aberdare Forest. Black and White Colobus Monkey, Sykes’s Monkeys, forest hogs, small antelopes like duikers, bush babies,porcupines and mongoose are also found in the forest. Kereita is a Kikuyu word ‘Kere-ita’ meaning armed people. The locals has it that the place was once teeming with warriors and its evidenced by the Lari Massacre (1953), unmarked mass graves where over 5,000 victims of revenge attacks on the local population by the British

colonial administration were buried.


1. Women are more involved in agricultural activities in the forest than men

2. Men representation in CFA and community committees is higher compared to women

3. Forest enterprises are dominated by men, however women benefit on fuelwood

4. Women participate more in community and conservation meetings compared to men

5. Youth lack interest to participate in forest related activities

6. Women and men have equal access to forest resources

7. Women lack time to engage with forest related activities

Recommendations

xvi. Taita Taveta County-Mbololo, Vuria, Kasigau Forest Block

Introduction

Mwambirwa and Mbololo forests are located across two sub-counties that is Voi and Mwatate Sub-counties, Taita Taveta County. The two forests are closely located and managed under MWAMBO CFA due to the proximity of the forests. Mbololo forest is a state-owned forest while Mwabirwa is a County-owned forest. Mwambirwa forest is one of the major fragments that make up the Taita hills forests. It is separated from the indigenous biodiversity-rich Mbololo forest by a narrow gap of less than 3 km. Mwambirwa forest is dominated by exotic plantations especially on the ridges and slopes. The exotic tree species are mainly Eucalyptus saligna, E.maculata, Pinus patula, P. eliotii, and P. kirkii planted in the mid-1950s.


1. The forest is the most important resource for both women and men

2. Women and men access and use forests differently.

3. Women participate more in conservation meetings than men

4. Men and women are equally involved in forest activities e.g. tending of seedlings, tree planting, forest fire fighting. However more women actively participate.

5. Women decline leadership positions due to other competing reproductive and prod uctive roles

6. Leadership is more male based

7. Most decisions are made by men

8. Women use non-timber forest products more and are primarily collectors of fuelwood. The physical burden of such collection affect women’s health and reduces the time dedicated to other activities

9. Women are afraid of entering the forest for different activities

Recommendations

xvii. Kilifi County- Arabuko Sokoke, Mida Forest Block

Introduction

<insert 1-2 paragraph>


1. Moratorium has prevented both genders from accessing and benefiting from the forest.

2. Youth-engaged as scouts but their percentage is low Land ownership is by men but that is changing gradually

3. Traditional ties and practices: Women can't speak when men are present as they view it as not their responsibility. Culture and traditions hinder conservation.

4. Lack of employment for both genders.

5. Men are involved in illegal harvesting of green trees and therefore arrested but later released

6. Women are left in trainings of forest conservation

7. Insecurity: Dangerous animals such as snakes. People attacked by dangerous animals such as snakes

8. Women are not allowed to go deep in forest to do afforestation

9. Women fear leadership as they feel not trusted enough in leadership

10. Male youths are bitten when found in the forest accessing any resources

11. Both men and women are poor and need to access the forest for resources

Recommendations

xviii. Kwale County- Shimba Hills, Vanga and Buda Forest Block

Introduction


1. Religious issues: Islamic women are hindered further by religious beliefs against women leadership

2. Leadership and decision-making positions: Women are being disregarded in leadership within CFAs.

3. Knowledge sharing and awareness on forest use and conservation is inadequate across genders.

4. Insecurity: Community members have experienced attacks by wild animals, poachers and illegal loggers

Recommendations

xix. Meru County- Meru and Nyambene Forests

Introduction

Meru County is situated on the Easterb highlands of Mt. Kenya at an elevation of 5300 ft (1600 meters) above sea level. It is characterized with dense oak forests. The Forest blocks in Meru consist of Nchoroiboro in upper Imenti, Mpuri and Thege in lower imenti. Meru Forest is a gazetted forest under the kenyan law.


1. There is biasness towards the gender that is represented in leadership. If the CFA chair is a woman, training opportunities go to women.

2. Generally CFA leadership comprised of more men than women because men use a lot of resources to campaign for the same.

3. The distances covered in search of firewood deep into the forest are a deterrence for old people and people with disabilities.

4. Complete closure of the forest leads to lack of firewood, a resource that women need in the household, and the alternative which is gas, is very expensive for women due to their low social economic status.

5. Socio-cultural perceptions/cultural stereotypes deter women from participating in forest governance.

Recommendations

xx. Tharaka Nithi County- Chuka & Muunguni Forest Block

Introduction

Tharaka Nithi borders Embu, Meru and Kitui counties covering an area of 2662.1 km2 including 360km2 of Mt. Kenya Forest, it has Chuka, Kiangondu and Chogoria forest blocks.


Men were deterred from accessing forest due to the belief that they are more destructive to forests. Women are therefore the only ones allowed access.

Generally CFA leadership comprised of more men than women because men use a lot of resources to campaign for the same. Youth are also not involved in leadership.

Strong cultural beliefs in regards to forest access is discriminative to women. For instance, it is taboo for women on their menses, or those who have had sexual relations to access forests.

Employment opportunities in the forest sector is skewed towards men than do women.

Recommendations

4.2 Gender Gaps and drivers on Deforestation and Forest Degradation

The chapter details the identified gaps of the gender assessment study that will inform the development of the interventions to address the gaps. These gaps are namely: Access and control of forest; Participation and decision-making in forest management resources; Benefit sharing; policy; and land tenure in addition, drivers on deforestation and Forest degradation.

Access and control of forest resources

Access and control of resources is determined by culture, religion, attitude and the financial capabilities of men and women and the youth. It was established that more men are able to access forest resources than women and youth. Men are considered heads of households and therefore determine how members of the household access the forest products. In some cases, women needed permission from their husbands to access the forest resources. It is further noted that women perceive forest conservation and management as a male role which makes them passive players.

With regards to religion, Muslim women are not allowed to enter the forest, this was attributed to their dressing code which limits their movement inside the forest. The user fees towards accessing some of the products such as firewood by women is limited by their low economic status. The insecurity around and inside the forest make women and youth vulnerable to attacks by wild animals, poachers, illegal loggers and criminal gangs. In addition, women encounter incidences of sexual and physical violence when accessing the forest.

Participation and decision-making in forest management

The representation of different groups in forest management controls the distribution of benefits from the forest. There is low participation of youth, elderly, PWDs in forestry matters such as boundary setting, forest resource inventories and tree planting. This is attributed to the physical inability by the elderly and PWDs, and limitation by cultural beliefs such as association of some Kaya forests to witchcraft by the youth.

The roles played by women and youth in establishment of tree nurseries and planting of trees is not recognised since they are left out of the leadership structures. However, women participate more in conservation trainings compared to men.

The assessment revealed that women who actively participate in conservation activities are not considered for management of CFA due to their literacy levels.

Benefits sharing and use

The various products extracted from the forest benefit men and women differently. Women are beneficiaries of firewood, vegetables, fruits, water and manure, whereas, men accrue benefits from timber, charcoal, honey and ecotourism. The benefits accessed by women respond to their reproductive roles as opposed to productive roles. Consequently, the men are able to engage in income generating activities to uplift their economic status.

Policy

The conservation and management of forests are guided by various policies and legislation. It is however noted that there is no gender specific framework in the sector. The existing frameworks in forest conservation and management are not engendered.

Land tenure

The land tenure systems determine the nature and of forests found in a given locality. These influence ownership, access and control by the different gender groups. The study found that communal forests are controlled by elderly men for traditional purposes. In some cases, women and youth are not allowed to enter the forests such as the Kaya forests.

The ownership and control of the forests on private land is biased against the Youth.This discourages from participating in forest conservation activities since they do not enjoy equal land rights.

Drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

The assessment established that men engaged in deforestation activities more than women. This is related to the products they access from the forest which include charcoal making, timber harvesting, logging for construction as well as clearance of vegetation for farming. On the other hand, women are involved in activities which are less destructive such as firewood and herbal medicine collection. Whereas men engage in deforestation activities, women and youth are taking part in afforestation and re-afforestation.

4.3 Cross-cutting issues and Emerging trends

Access and control to forest resources/financial/skills/knowledge

1. Women and men have different knowledge, access to and control of forestry related resources

2. Insecurity restricts access to forest resources especially for women

3. Poor infrastructure and long distances to the forest affect access

4. There is equal access to the forest for men and women. However, women have limited access to forest resources

5. Men (including older men) control most of the forest conservation and management activities as well as most of the benefits.

Participation in meetings and community activities

1. There is low participation of youth, elderly, PWDs in forestry matters such as boundary setting, forest resource inventory etc.

2. Women participate more in conservation education meetings compared to men

Inclusivity/representati 1. Women representation in leadership positions within

on in leadership and governance structures

the forest management committees is low compared to men

2. Poor governance in KFS and CFA on community forest issues

3. Men take critical decisions on forest related matters Equality and equity in benefit sharing/use

1. Women and men obtain different products, use them for different purposes and receive different benefits from forests

2. Brokers reducing farmers' profits from agriculture 3. There is consideration of women and PWDs in

benefit sharing 4. Non-timber forest products are extremely important

for women since they are the primary users of many forest products, such as fuelwood, wild foods and fodder. Women spend several hours a day collecting these products

5. Men are more involved in forest related enterprises such as timber logging

Cultural and social, attitudes, perceptions and traditional

1. Cultural barriers deter women from forest access 2. Poor infrastructure, long distances to the forest and

thicket expose women to sexual harassment 3. At household and community levels, women have a

key role to change attitudes and behaviors contributing to deforestation and forest degradation

Gender Based Violence and insecurity

1. Insecurity restricts access to forest resources especially for women

2. Human and wildlife conflicts affect both men and women

Access to employment opportunities

1. No alternative source of livelihoods for men and women

COUNTY RECOMMENDATION

<Inter link the recommendations to the Gender Issues identified>

1. Establish/strengthen platforms of engagement for different gender groups in forest governance.

2. Capacity building, awareness creation, training and empowerment of different gender groups on forest conservation and management.

3. Design programmes/initiatives that contribute to behaviour and attitude change in relation to culture.

4. Define quotas for participation of different gender groups in meetings, community activities and opportunities.

5. Adhere to the ⅔ gender rule in elective positions and mainstream gender balance in all leadership positions related to forest governance.

6. Establish an independent forest oversight body to monitor and evaluate the activities of KFS, CFAs and other forest governance structures.

7. Undertake advocacy initiatives to fast track enactment of the Benefit Sharing Bill.

8. Develop and implement a benefit sharing policy/mechanism for the forest sector that integrates vulnerable groups and their gender dynamics.

9. Identification and recognition of REDD+ champions at community level to help break the cultural barriers that deter effective engagement of different genders in forest conservation and management.

10. Support the development and strengthening of grievance redress mechanisms at community level for victims of gender based violence in the forest sector

11. Development/Improvement of Infrastructure including construction of access roads, bridges, fences, sanitation facilities and communications systems.

12. Identification and development of alternative livelihoods such as sustainable value addition, eco-tourism and adoption of climate smart technologies to reduce forest dependence and increase employment opportunities.

13. Design programmes/initiatives to address climate change, environmental degradation and invasive plant species in

14. Incorporate and acknowledge cultural dynamics in the REDD+ safeguards information system.

Commented [3]: ensure they area measureable

Recommendations Considerations Responsible actor

1. Develop, review, implement Legal, policy and institutional frameworks on forest conservation and management to reflect Gender dimensions

- acknowledgment of traditional/ customary law practices in the legal frameworks

- Illegal logging

National and County Government

2. Capacity building, awareness creation, training and empowerment

- support through seedlings, tree planting, beehives, exchange and learning programs, training on climate change, REDD+ Awareness, forest and conservation management, scholarships for youths in local communities

- KFS institutional support

National Government, County Government and Civil Society Organizations

3. Integrate principles of good governance in institutions

- corruption

- bureaucracy

- transparency

National and County Governments

4. Improve representation of gender groups in forest governance

-have quotas for women and youth (affirmative action)

-

The national government, County government and CFAs

5. Development and Identification of culturally appropriate alternative livelihoods initiatives to address forest dependence.

- Identification of markets for economic empowerment (access to credit/financial resources)

National government, County government, Civil Society

- Value addition to forest resources

Organizations and Private Sector

6. Development/Improvement of Infrastructure

-Bridges

-access roads

- fencing

- sanitation

communication tools

National and County Government

7. Address GBV cases and improve overall security

- human wildlife conflict

- poaching

- Banditry and theft

- Address Gender-Based Violence (ban clubs within forests

- address drug and substance abuse)

National Government

8. Develop/implement Benefit-sharing structures on various forest resources

- quotas for women and youth

- preference for forest communities (local context)

National and County government, Community

9. Enhance meaningful participation and involvement of gender groups in forest conservation and management

- Strengthening or establishment of platforms for engagement of different gender groups

National government, County government, CFAs, Civil Society Organizations and Community

10. Employment/Job creation - formalize casual labor

- job creation

- recruit more KFS Staff

- prioritize forest communities in employment

- Incentivize scout/ other programs for sustainable management

National and County government, Private Environmental Enterprises

11. Address climate change and environmental degradation

- dump sites

- drought

-

CHAPTER SIX

Gender inclusion assessment: Key recommendations

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDD+

(Why are the key gender issues/ gaps relevant to REDD+ ( justification or relevance of the study to the national REDD+ strategy )

Key recommendations to REDD+

- Mainstreaming the principles of gender equality and inclusion into the national REDD+ Strategy and investment plan should be ensured with clear

- REDD+ interventions and investments options should ensure that equality and equitable access, use and control of forest resources/financial/skills/knowledge for the benefit of all is achieved. The options should ...

- REDD+ Mechanism through Stakeholder engagement (SE) should incorporate meaningful participation of all gender groups in the respective locations of interventions. While men are more engaged in conservation and management efforts, Youth and the elderly are excluded either by prejudice, their lack of interest (sense of ownership) or poor engagement by the various actors. Women are good custodians of knowledge, better agents to re-transfer the gained knowledge and participate more in conservation education meetings.

- The right of protection of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge / customary traditions should be integrated into the Safeguards and Information System (SIS) for use, reference and to inform forestry governance in Kenya. The gender action plan, IPLCs plan ,<add other plans in the ProDoc> … should be developed in a consultatively to include ITK and customary traditions that provide potential to safeguard special interest.

- The Stakeholder engagement (SE) should contain strategies and approaches that ensure Inclusivity of all groups (Indigenous Peoples and forest dependent communities, women, youth, elderly, minorities, vulnerable groups) and their fair representation in leadership and governance structures.

- Investment plan?

- The national REDD+ and Investment plan shall develop a mechanism to promote the protection of IPLCs and other groups to avoid/mitigate Gender Based Violence and insecurity related issues.

- The proposed REDD+ options for investment in Kenya should support/offer alternative sources of livelihoods for men, women, youth and the elder through employment opportunities or incentivized engagement.

CHAPTER SEVEN

CONCLUSION

APPENDIX

The executive moratorium on the ban of logging

County Consolidated reports

Resource Mapping and Pair-wise Ranking

Data Collection Tools- Questionnaire, FGD and KII guide

Gender Inclusion Assessment for Forest Dependent ...

Documents

Transcript of Gender Inclusion Assessment for Forest Dependent ...