Assessing Constraints to Sustainable Community Forestry Programmes In Kenya a Case of Karura Community Forest Association

Abstract

Despite Community forestry being emphasized in different parts of the world, measures to ensure its sustainability beyond the implementation period is proving to be a challenge. Similarly, several community forestry programmes have and continue to be implemented in various countries with varying degrees of success and failure in intended program outcomes. This study sought to assess constraints to sustainable community forestry programmes using Karura Community Forest Association in Nairobi County as reference point. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Stratified random sampling was adopted to select members of the community forestry association who responded to the study questionnaires while purposive sampling was used in selecting key informants from other stakeholders. A sample size of 109 respondents obtained from two groups; Friends of Karura CFA Members and relevant government Agencies was used for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 was used for data analysis. Findings indicated that 73(81.1%) of the respondents agreed that there is need to address forest/ ecological degradation in the country, 15(16.7%) were on ecological degradation, 2(2.2%) were of the contrary opinion and 79(87.8%) of the respondents agreed that the creation of enabling policies and legislations are pivotal in protecting the environment, and sustainable funding to facilitate sustainability programmes, while 11(12.2%) were neutral on the statement. In view of this, the study recommends that project initiators to collaborate and provide involvement opportunities for community members since their participation is instrumental in finding solutions necessary for supporting and implementing sustainable community forestry programmes.