Assessment of Community Institutions' Contribution to Forest and Water Governance in the Kilungu Catchment, Kenya

Abstract

The roles and responsibilities of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and Associations of Water Resource Users (WRUAs) in forest and water resource management have been investigated. However, their comparative contributions to the management of water and forest resources, particularly in the Kilungu catchment, are unknown, as are their effectiveness and activities, organizational and structural design, opportunities and challenges, and capacity to manage catchment sustainably. As a result, a descriptive cross-sectional study design using cluster, simple random, and purposive sampling was carried out in Kenya's Kilungu catchment area. As a result, the seven clusters of the Kilungu catchment were chosen for the study: Kilungu, Kitumbuuni, Ndaatai, Kiongwani, Kenze, Nduluni, and Kiio. The study's main goal was to assess the contributions of the Kenze CFA and Upper Kaiti WRUA to Kilungu catchment management, with specific goals to examine the CFA and WRUA's activities and effectiveness, investigate the structure and functions of the CFA and WRUA, analyze the institutions' challenges and opportunities, and evaluate the CFA and WRUA's capacity in managing the catchment sustainably. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and household questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data. Field notes, interview transcripts, and observation skills were used to collect qualitative data. The data was examined using ANOVA. Cross-tabulations and a Pearson Correlation analysis were used to see if any relationships existed between the study parameters. Even though more respondents were aware of the CFA (47%) than the WRUA (43%), focus group discussions revealed that the WRUA far outperformed the CFA in involving its members in active participation in all aspects of catchment management. A person's (p) correlation analysis of CFA and WRUA structure awareness, functioning, and efficiency in catchment management revealed a strong positive relationship (p=0.76). Furthermore, the upper Kaiti WRUA was more efficient at moderately (31%) and highly effective (37%) in catchment management. The Pearson correlations study on the relationship between education level and statutory function execution was found to be statistically significant to a low degree (p= 0.2 49) for both the CFA and the WRUA. Kenze CFA faced more challenges than Upper Kaiti WRUA, receiving ratings of Very high (58%) compared to Upper Kaiti WRUA’s rating of Very high (22%), respectively. The findings revealed that the challenges had a significant impact on the outcomes of the Kenze CFA operation. The challenges level affecting CFA and WRUA performance and catchment degradation were positively correlated and statistically significant (p=0.72), according to Pearson correlations analysis. According to the institution's evaluations of aspects of continuously improving functioning, both the CFA and the WRUA were working well in terms of inclusion and equity, with extremely good ratings on accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency. Finally, in terms of gender inclusivity, equity, and catchment management activity implementation, the Upper Kaiti WRUA structure outperformed the Kenze CFA. Upper Kaiti WRUA was far more effective in involving its members in all aspects of catchment

management. Furthermore, neither institution was fully addressing catchment degradation, with Kenze CFA facing greater difficulties in catchment management than Upper Kaiti WRUA. The study concludes by recommending new governance structures and operating frameworks for the Kenze CFA and the Upper Kaiti WRUA to ensure that these organizations effectively carry out their statutory functions. It also provides empirical evidence that can be used to develop strategies for reviewing the activities of these organizations. The CFA, in particular, should be given the authority to carry out all of its legal obligations, with a focus on the timely preparation and implementation of management plans, whereas the WRUA should be continuously upgraded to ensure its effectiveness in carrying out its duties. These findings also indicate that to halt the catchment's degradation, it is critical to address the CFA difficulties, improve the adoption of their opportunities, and address all of their sustainability challenges. The study recommends creating a new, open, and transparent governance strategy for CFA and WRUA structures to ensure institutional capacity, as well as developing new initiatives to improve CFA and WRUA activities and operations, addressing CFA and WRUA challenges, and capitalizing on opportunities to ensure long-term catchment management.