| dc.description.abstract | Conserving biodiversity is critical for maintaining ecological balance, supporting sustainable
livelihoods, and ensuring ecosystem health. In Kenya, habitat loss, fragmentation, and
changing climate are major threats to biodiversity, increasing the frequency and severity of
drought, impacting wildlife and local communities. The study examined the effectiveness of
community led governance in conservation of biodiversity in Ruko Conservancy, Kenya. The
study was conducted using a cross sectional, mixed method design, based on the theories of
place-based learning, social learning and resource dependence. Five locations—Komolion,
Korossi, Mukutani, Kapkechui, and Rugus—were identified and 330 surveys were conducted,
with five key stakeholder interviews added in. GIS mapping and NDVI computation were used
to explore the land use/land cover (LULC) change and vegetation health between 1985 and
2025.The findings suggest that community involvement is crucial to Ruko's conservation
efforts, with younger community members more involved than the older. 59.1% of the
respondents reported better conservation results after implementing community led
governance. The ecological analysis indicated an increase in tree cover from 11.84% (1985) to
30.19% (2025), as well as a shift to a more diverse ecosystem and improved woody vegetation
health. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the importance of local involvement in
resource management, biodiversity conservation, and peacebuilding, as exemplified by the
Ruko Community Conservancy. Yet, outside insecurity remains a challenge, threatening
governance structures and sustainability. The study calls for institutional measures to support
equity and accountability, representation of women and youth through formalization, capacity
development, and the inclusion of long-term monitoring in conservation funding to address
these issues. They are vital in sustaining community-led conservation areas in Kenya and offer
a framework for the effective management of biodiversity whilst allowing for local control. | en_US |
