Implementation of participatory forest management in Kenya: a case study of Karima Forest

TY - JOUR

T1 - Implementation of participatory forest management in Kenya

T2 - a case study of Karima Forest

AU - Løber, T.

AU - Skensved, E.M.

AU - Hansen, Christian Pilegaard

AU - Thygesen, S.H.

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - This paper analyzes the distribution of powers before and after the implementation of participatory forest management (PFM) in Kenya. The paper is a case study of the Karima forest in the Central Highlands of Kenya. The study relies primarily on 34 semi-structured interviews with key actors involved in and affected by the PFM. The paper finds that the established Community Forest Association (CFA) has not been entrusted with significant powers; all powers and benefits remain with the local authority (county government). Moreover, the paper documents that the CFA offers a poor representation of the forest communities and weak downward accountability relations. Finally, it illustrates a planning process, which has weaknesses in participation and inclusiveness. Consequently, the paper suggests three areas for PFM policy reform in Kenya: (i) the role (powers) and function of CFAs; (ii) benefit sharing; and (iii) ways to make the PFM process more participatory and inclusive.

AB - This paper analyzes the distribution of powers before and after the implementation of participatory forest management (PFM) in Kenya. The paper is a case study of the Karima forest in the Central Highlands of Kenya. The study relies primarily on 34 semi-structured interviews with key actors involved in and affected by the PFM. The paper finds that the established Community Forest Association (CFA) has not been entrusted with significant powers; all powers and benefits remain with the local authority (county government). Moreover, the paper documents that the CFA offers a poor representation of the forest communities and weak downward accountability relations. Finally, it illustrates a planning process, which has weaknesses in participation and inclusiveness. Consequently, the paper suggests three areas for PFM policy reform in Kenya: (i) the role (powers) and function of CFAs; (ii) benefit sharing; and (iii) ways to make the PFM process more participatory and inclusive.

KW - accountability

KW - benefit sharing

KW - Democratic decentralization

KW - rights

U2 - 10.1505/146554816819501673

DO - 10.1505/146554816819501673

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:84986268104

SN - 1465-5489

VL - 18

SP - 357

EP - 368

JO - International Forestry Review

JF - International Forestry Review

IS - 3

ER -