Governance Practices and Sustainability of Forest Conservation Projects in Chepalungu, Bomet County

Abstract

Degradation of natural ecosystems is currently the most serious global environmental concern leading to global warming and other related climate change repercussions. Despite the significant contribution of forests to climate change mitigation, the national economy and to local community livelihoods, forest resource degradation, and environmental degradation are steadily on the rise especially in developing countries. The problem of limited forest cover in Kenya has been a matter of concern over the years despite the efforts to conserve them. The main objective of this study was to assess the influence of governance practices on sustainability of forest conservation projects in Chepalungu. This study sought to; investigate the influence of governance practices, evaluate the effectiveness of the policy and legislative framework and establish current and future threats on forest conservation projects in Chepalungu. The study was guided by the Weberian Traditional Model and the New Public Management theory and the New Weberian Governance Model. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targets key respondents, mainly Kenya forest service staff, county government officials, community scouts and members of the national government administration and CFA officials. Stratified-systematic sampling design was employed to stratify Chepalungu forest into two distinct forest conservation projects (Siongiroi and Kapchumbe) which are separated by a human settlement area. Judgmental sampling was used to identify respondents with expertise on the phenomenon under study. The study collected both primary and secondary data. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the household heads, focus group discussions were held with the CFA Officials and interviews were held with Kenya forest service staff, county government officials, community scouts and members of the national government administration officers. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings showed that governance practices significantly and positively influence sustainability of forest conservation projects in Chepalungu. It was revealed that project management was actively engaged in policy formulation and demonstrated a deep commitment to its comprehensive implementation. It was indicated that current and future threats on forest conservation projects in Chepalungu included climate change, disease outbreaks, invasive species,disasters and change in land use. It was concluded that uncoordinated forest conservation efforts lead to inefficiency in forest conservation. Local authorities’ active engagement in policy formulation enhances commitment to forest conservation implementation. The study recommended that forest conservation project managers should actively involve the local communities in decision-making and households should be involved in practical activities to protect the forests. The study recommended strict enforcement of laws against offenses such as illegal logging, unauthorized encroachment, grazing, and tree felling by herbalists. CFAs should adopt inclusive approaches in their forest conservation efforts.