A Review of degradation status of the Mau Forest and Possible Remedial Measures

Deforestation and degradation of forests continue at alarmingly high rate, particularly in the tropics. Kenya’s annual deforestation rate is estimated at 0.5%, putting at stake the survival of the timber industry and livelihood of forest dependent communities. The Mau forest is one of few remaining indigenous forests in Kenya with high deforestation rate. The forest supports the livelihood of the indigenous and surrounding communities and is major water catchment for the Eastern Africa region. This paper discusses the importance of the Mau forest and impacts of its degradation on the indigenous, national and regional communities, and proposes possible strategies to curb degradation of the forest. It is shown that degradation of the forest stems from activities of the surrounding communities, overpopulation and weaknesses in national laws and their enforcement. Several strategies are suggested; including involvement of the indigenous community in forest management, population control and the implementation of far reaching reforms in the forest and land sectors. It is recommended that since the benefits of the Mau forest are international, a debt‐for‐nature swap or similar schemes should be introduced to free national income for development and reduce the reliance on forest resources.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1.0. Introduction
• 2.0. Forestry Development in Kenya and Importance of the Forest Sector
• 2.1. The Mau Forest and the Predicament of the 'Ogiek' Community
• 2.1.1. The Mau Forest
• 2.1.2. The Ogiek

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This discussion paper aims to highlight the importance of the Mau Forest and the impacts of its degradation on local, national, and regional communities. It seeks to shed light on the plight of the indigenous forest community, the Ogiek, and propose strategies for the restoration and conservation of the Mau Forest.

• The significance of the Mau Forest for local livelihoods, national economy, and regional water resources.
• The challenges of deforestation and degradation in Kenya and specifically in the Mau Forest.
• The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities, particularly the Ogiek.
• The need for sustainable forest management strategies to mitigate further degradation.
• The importance of community involvement and government policy in forest conservation efforts.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• 1.0. Introduction: This chapter sets the context by discussing the global issue of deforestation and degradation, highlighting the alarming rates in tropical forests. The chapter also addresses the importance of tropical forests for biodiversity, ecological processes, and indigenous communities, underscoring the urgent need to address deforestation. The chapter concludes with a focus on Kenya's forest cover, its declining rate, and the specific case of the Mau Forest.
• 2.0. Forestry Development in Kenya and Importance of the Forest Sector: This chapter provides a historical overview of forestry development in Kenya, tracing it back to the colonial era. It highlights the role of plantations in meeting wood demand, the transition to focusing on preservation of indigenous forests, and the importance of the forest sector for the Kenyan economy and the livelihood of its people.
• 2.1. The Mau Forest and the Predicament of the 'Ogiek' Community: This chapter delves into the specific case of the Mau Forest, outlining its significance as a water reservoir and its role in supporting the livelihood of surrounding communities. It examines the challenges of degradation, highlighting the plight of the Ogiek community, the indigenous forest dwellers. The chapter also touches upon previous efforts to curb deforestation and their impact on forest-dependent communities.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this text include: deforestation, tropical forests, land use, indigenous people, Ogiek, forest communities, forest policy, law enforcement, and solutions. The paper explores the degradation of the Mau Forest in Kenya, analyzing its impacts on the local, national, and regional communities. It highlights the plight of the Ogiek community and proposes strategies for forest restoration and conservation.

Details

• College: Wageningen University
• Grade: 8
• Author: Robert Ochieng (Author)
• Publication Year: 2009
• Pages: 18
• Catalog Number: V156873
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640737314
• ISBN (Book): 9783640737598
• Language: English
• Tags: Review Forest Possible Remedial Measures