Fencing and Forest Conservation: Attitudes of Local People Living Adjacent to Eastern Slopes of Mount Kenya

This study was carried out to assess local people attitudes on fencing and conservation management of Mount Kenya Forest. A random sampling technique was used in administering semi structured questionnaires to 100 households living adjacent to the forest. Secondary sources and key informants provided additional information through interviews. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and creation of themes. From the findings 57% of the respondents were male and 43% were female. Age distribution revealed that 6% of the respondents were between the ages of 21-30 years; 30% between the ages of 31-40 years; 24% between the ages of 41-50 years; 19% were aged 60 and above. The results showed that local communities are deriving myriad benefits from the forest which include; fuel wood, timber, honey, fruits, medicinal plants and water for community irrigation projects. Findings shows that seventy six percent (76%) of the respondents’ supported forest conservation while 24% supported de-gazettement of forest to create farmlands. Fence installation has led to reduced cases of crop and destruction of property and death/injury of livestock. The results further revealed that forest illegal activities have significantly declined, citing few cases of illegal harvesting of hardwood trees. Trust relationships between the local communities and other stakeholders participating in forest conservation and management activities have also been enhanced. It is recommended that to improve local communities’ attitude towards conservation there is need to increase the flow of both direct and indirect benefits to the local communities thus creating strong partnerships for effective conservation and management of the forest