Institutions, Livelihoods and Forest Dynamics: The Case of Ramogi and Mau Forests In Kenya

Abstract

"The study investigates the forest condition changes, the spatial patterns of forest dynamics and the roles played by institutions and livelihoods in the forest cover dynamics. Landsat satellite imagery of 1986, 1996, and 2006 was used to create single data classifications and a Forest cover change image depicting the sequence of changes in forest cover between 1986-1996-2006. The spatial relationships between observed changes in the forested areas livelihoods and institutional factors are then determined. The results show the rate of forest degradation in Mau forest (transition from close forest to open forest rose dramatically from 3 % in 1986-1996 period to 12 % 1996-2006 period. Fragmentation and excisions were more pronounced in the second period. It is observed that rampant forest change occurred in areas located close to road, near the village, at lower elevations and on more gradual slopes. Ironically relatively low levels of degradation was recorded in Ramogi forest, which is a semi government forest (legally government forest but with a de facto control and claim of ownership by local community and / county council.) The findings are further compared with results from an International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI) - Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources Management (SANREM) based study on the forest adjacent households, association and effects on the forest condition. When compared the mentioned factors relate very closely and are very much similar."