Thesis:

Influence of forest plantation establishment schemes on community livelihoods: a case of Makutano forest, Kericho County, Kenya

Population growth has intensified pressure on forest land, prompting countries like Kenya to adopt forest plantations to restore forest cover while supporting community livelihoods. Through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihoods Improvement Scheme (PELIS), communities are allowed to grow food crops alongside trees. This study examines whether PELIS has achieved its dual goal of enhancing forest cover and improving livelihoods in Makutano Forest, Kenya. The specific objectives of this study was to investigate the influence of; forest land cultivation under forest plantation establishment schemes, forest products available under forest plantation schemes and community involvement in forest plantation activities; on community livelihoods. This study adopted the decentralized forest management theory in line with the devolved functions of managing and conserving the forests to the communities with the help of Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Cross-sectional research design was adopted to help gather data from a representative sample of the Forest adjacent community (FAC). The data was then used to make inferences. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in data collection and analysis. The target population was 1719 which included FAC households around Makutano forest, and CBO leaders of Makutano forest station. From this a sample of 212 was selected. Systematic sampling was used in selecting the households and snowball sampling in selecting the CBO leaders involved in focused group discussion. The researcher then prepared and administered questionnaire schedules among the households’ members. Focus group discussions were conducted among the CBO leaders. The data collected was then subjected to the SPSS program for analysis. Since most of the data collected was categorical, logistic regression was used to analyze these data while in case where numerical data had been collected, ANOVA was employed. Means, frequencies, and percentages were also used in analyzing the data. The key findings of the study indicates a significant influence of PELIS on community livelihood (f = 221.642, p=0.000). A strong relationship between the frequency of attending CFA and CBO meetings, the level of involvement in decision making and planning of forest activities (B= 3.479, P< 0.5) was noted. The size of land available for cultivation was found to be statistically significant to food security among the community (f = 221.642, p= 0.000). Those near the forest registered to have derived more economic benefits than those far away from the forest (f= 3.127, p= 0.000). The most important and most utilized forest products were firewood at 95%, fodder at 71% and droppers from tree pruning at 68%. Further research is needed on how more benefits from products like herbs, wild vegetables and honey cold be realized. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the Kenya Forest Service enhance community awareness of PELIS through regular seminars, improve land allocation by harvesting mature trees, and promote sustainable use of underutilized forest products like herbs and honey. It also calls for better road infrastructure and the establishment of monitoring frameworks to strengthen community engagement and maximize both extractive and non-extractive forest benefits.