Forest Governance Influence and Community Participation in Forest Management: A Case Study of Molo Ward, Kenya

Abstract

The research examines impact of governance structures on community participation in forest management within Molo Ward, Kenya. Forests are important for supporting livelihoods, biodiversity, and ecosystem in general but deforestation and degradation place many challenges to these important ecosystems. The study examines the influence of governance mechanism on local communities’ involvement in management practices, to assess current forest management practices, evaluate factors influencing community participation and identify opportunities to promote engagement in sustainable forest management. This research utilized mixed methods data collection approach that combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 167 residents, Community Forest Association (CFA) members and NGOs. Slovin’s formula decides sample size. Qualitative data were collected on focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews with government officials, NGOs, and community leaders. Descriptive statistics was used for quantitative data analysis, while tools such as SPSS or Excel were used. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data and identify patterns and insights. Research relied on the secondary data from government reports, academic papers, and organizations with a history of forest governance, like the Kenya Forest Service and FAO. The study focused on community awareness, levels of involvement, challenges and how effective current policies affect forest management. The study raises the need for inclusivity of women and youth and investigates innovative methods. Findings indicate that a collaborative governance structure established through CFAs under the Forest Act (2005) promotes community participation and contribute 32% reduction in illegal logging and increases forest growth through community led afforestation. Unequal resource sharing, exclusion of other groups from decision making, bureaucratic failures and limited access to technology continue. Study concludes that actual participatory forest management depends on transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance systems. It recommends policy reforms to decentralize authority, enforce all rounded leadership allocations, promote transparent benefit-sharing ways, and invest in capacity building and accessible technology to strengthen community led conservation efforts. This is to be able to align national conservation goals with local livelihood needs and promote sustainable forest governance. This research contributes to global and national efforts for sustainable forest management, offering insights for long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.