The Effects Of Utilization Of Tree Products On Conservation Of Kaya Mudzimuvya Forest In Kilifi County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Kaya Mudzimuvya is one of the Mijikenda sacred forests along the Kenya Coast, whose sanctity has, to some extent contributed to its conservation. However, due to gradual detachment from the Kaya culture and attempts to sustain livelihoods, these forests have continually undergone degradation. Consequently, this has tremendously reduced the forest cover thus resulting in the loss of biodiversity. This study sought to establish the relationship between the social, cultural and economic situation of the dependant community Vis a Vis the tree products utilization trends of this unique forest. This study also attempted to link these utilization trends with the current status of Kaya Mudzimuvya and to determine the land use and cover changes happening in this forest over the past two decades. Data collection methodology included: ground truthing (surface observation, taking geographical coordinates and field survey), interview schedules, questionnaires, GIS and remote sensing. Landsat TM images were acquired for the periods 1990, 1995, 2003 and 2011 for land use, land-cover and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis. Both inferential (correlation, Chi square) and differential statistics were used during data analysis after which results of the analysis was presented as appropriate in tables, graphs, frequency polygons and in descriptive format. Findings of this study demonstrated interrelationship between the natural, social, cultural and political systems, and how weakening cultural systems coupled with accommodation of other “alien” cultures and spiritual (Christianity and Islam) values, economic instability as well as environmental changes have affected Kaya Mudzimuvya forest. Age (Chi-value= .712, Phi and Cramer’s strength of association test = .807), religious belief and duration of stay in the locality were found to influence respondents’ attachment to the Kaya forest the most. Household size (Chi square value of .683 and Phi and Cramer’s V of .685) determined the quantity of wood-fuel products harvested, while Chi square value of .683 and Phi and Cramer’s V of .685 indicated a strong positively significant association between income and energy sources diversity of the households. GIS analysis indicated reduction in the size of the Kaya (-66.5%), decrease in cropland (-29.43) and river-bed (-8.52), and increase in human settlement and bare land (441.57%). Despite diminishing floral diversity in Kaya Mudzimuvya, this study identified thirty three medicinal flora species harvested and utilized by the residents to remedy a variety of ailments both physical and spiritual/supernatural. The greatest challenge observed in the management and sustainability of Kaya Mudzimuvya, was implementation of management opportunities that not only uphold cultural values and maintain ecological functions of the forest but also minimizes restrictions of the local populace from resources, while at the same time providing alternative options that reduce over-dependence on the natural resources within the Kaya in order to ease pressure on the already vulnerable sacred forest. This study concluded that although Kaya Mudzimuvya is an important conservation site that is also endowed with cultural significance, it has been, and is continually being degraded as a result of unsustainable products extraction from it. This was attributed to several factors including increasing population and other socio-economic factors, which were found to influence the resource use trends and ultimately the forest itself. These factors included: Gender, age, Household size and income. This study has provided both stakeholder including community recommendations as well as gaps for further research. These recommendations include community involvement in conservation by stakeholders, support for non-wood products utilization initiatives, focus on rural poverty reduction by the County government, education and awareness creation.