Forests, Communities and Urban Markets: Can they Co-exist in a Devolved Structure?

Abstract

"In an attempt to understand the link between forest condition and the activities of the forest adjacent communities, and how these are influenced by market opportunities; a study was carried out on four out of the eight forests where the Institutional and Livelihoods Change in East African Landscapes (IFLEA) project was implemented. The four forests Aberdare; Ramogi; Eburru; and, Arabuko-Sokoke were selected based on their close proximity to Nairobi; Kisumu; Naivasha; and, Malindi urban centers with large market opportunities. Communities living adjacent to these forests participate in forest management through Community Forest Associations (CFAs). Studies were carried out using the International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI) research protocol. The forest, distance to closest major market, major products sold where used as independent variables while being members of a forest association and activities carried out to improve the forest were the dependent variables. Results show that ready markets in urban and peri urban areas for firewood, poles and charcoal attracted non forest adjacent actors into the forests. This suggests the need to look at the fundamental causes of the pressure on forests, turn the threats by the adjacent forest dwellers into sustainable livelihood opportunities as well as institutionalize the relationships and linkages of the various actors in the forestry sector under the emerging policy and regulatory framework. This provides an entry point for adjacent communities, private sector and other actors to engage more formally with the forestry sector."