Influence of Community Forest Association (CFA) on Local Community Sustainable Forest Utilization in North Nandi Forest, Kenya

Muskiton Kenneth Chepkonga, Prof. Francis Ramesh, and Dr. Kapyas Wilson K.
Department of Biological Sciences and Agriculture, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya
Email: kenchekiton@gmail.com

Abstract: A key feature of forest conservation and management is the practice of Participatory Forest Management (PFM). In the PFM there is inclusion and collaboration with the local community members in managing and conserving the forest resources, mostly through Community Forest Association (CFA). However, most of the roles of CFA on achieving management objectives of the forest resources are rarely met. The study evaluated the influence of CFA on local community sustainable forest utilization in North Nandi Forest. The study targeted 7,807 people living along the forest and a sample size of 156 respondents was used. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. Validity was ensured through expert judgement while Cronbach Alpha was calculated to determine reliability. To determine the sustainable utilization of forest resources, data was analyzed using frequency distributions and percentages. The study found out that joint forest management between the government and the community, use of sensitization meetings, the involvement of indigenous people within and outside the forest and the use of county and national government policies to support the conservation and protection of Nandi North Forest were the most significant strategies for management and protection. It was recommended that policies on expansion of land for agriculture and other developmental activities, excision of forest for settlement and illegal cutting of trees for posts, charcoal, fuelwood and timber need to be put in place by both the national and County governments. The findings of this study will help to develop recommendations for forest conservation interventions.