Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan 2015 - 2019

MALAVA PARTICIPATORY FOREST

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2015 2019

Page | i

Malava Community Forest Association

P.O Box 172, Malava - 50103 Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer

The preparation, printing and distribution of the document has been with the

financial assistance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP) (Award ID: 00058356). The contents of this

document are the sole responsibility of the Malava Forest Station Participatory

Forest Management Plan Local Planning Team and Nature Kenya, and cannot under

normal circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the GEF nor the

UNDP.

Page | ii

MALAVA PARTICIPATORY FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

2015 - 2019

Prepared by Local Planning Team1

Produced with financial assistance by GEF/UNDP through Nature Kenya

2015

Available at:

Kenya Forest Service, Headquarters

Head of Conservancy, Western Conservancy

Ecosystem Conservators Office, Kakamega

Malava Forest Station


Nature Kenya

1 List of members of Local planning in the appendix 5

Page | iii

Page | iv

FOREWORD

The Malava Forest Participatory Management Plan is the outcome of a planning

process lasting almost 1 year from November 2014. The planning process was

supported through the Nature Kenya which was financed by Global Environment

Facility/United Nation Development Programme (GEF/UNDP). The plan was

developed by institutional members of the Focal Area Team namely: the Kenya

Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Wildlife Service, National

Environment Management Authority, Water Resource Management Authority and

Ministry of Devolution and Planning. In addition to these institutional partners, there

was consultation with the Community, Malava Community Forest Association (CFA)

and many other organizations and individuals. At the outset, the challenge was to

produce a participatory Forest Management Plan for Malava Forest Station which

would meet the needs of all stakeholders in the forest, building on the proven

traditional management system of the local people and provide a useful document

for managing the forest and the neighbouring farmlands, some of which were

formerly forest area.

A plan which looked attractive but did not have the consensus of all stakeholders, or

one might be rapidly consigned to bookshelves and libraries, would not meet this

challenge, and it is hoped therefore that this plan will provide a useful document for

many people in future years. The task has been not only to follow a process, but also

to define and test the planning process itself, since this has been a new experience

in Kenya where local community have been invited to manage the forest in

collaboration with the government. The plan shows that community members can

be good managers of the resource within their areas once empowered. It

recognizes need to manage the forest jointly with neighbouring communities. In

many ways, therefore, this plan conforms to the requirements of the Forests Act

No.7, 2005 which requires that all stakeholders be involved in the management of

forests.

Through this plan, Kenya Forest Service will enter into the process of negotiating a

forest management agreement with the Malava CFA, which will ensure that the local

communities participate in conservation and benefit in terms of forest user rights.

We anticipate that this partnership arrangement will contribute to improved forest

management and local community livelihoods. To make this happen, we are calling

upon other stakeholders to join hands with us to ensure that Malava Forest provides

better forest products and services at all levels, local, national and international.

Dr. Paul Matiku

Executive Director, Nature Kenya.

Page | v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Malava Community Forest Association would like to extend sincere gratitude to the

Kenya Forest Service for creating an enabling environment for the development of

this Participatory Forest Management Plan which will lead to the entering into a

Forest Management Agreement between Malava CFA and Kenya Forest Service.

The CFA would also like to recognize the efforts of the Local Planning Team (LPT)

represented by the following institutions; County Government of Kakamega, Kenya

Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Wildlife Service, National

Environment Management Authority, Water Resource Management Authority,

Ministry of Devolution and Planning, and Nature Kenya.

We would like to appreciate the financial support from GEF/UNDP through Nature

Kenya for the development of this Plan.

Sincere appreciations also go to all Malava CFA members and the executive

committee for their invaluable contribution to the preparation of the Plan, especially

in organizing community meetings and coordinating collection of information. We

would also like to appreciate the contribution of the local opinion leaders, Ministry

of Interior and Coordination, Forest Adjacent Communities (FACs) for providing us

with relevant information that was required for the development of this Plan.

Finally, the CFA would like to appreciate the contribution of the KFS Assistant

Director, Head of Management Plans, Mr. J. K Macharia, for his selfless dedication to

the entire process and guiding the LPT towards the development of this

Participatory Forest Management Plan.

Since it is not possible to thank each and every one individually, Malava CFA

expresses gratitude to the many men and women who in one way or the other have

contributed to the development of this Participatory Forest Management Plan.

James Shihuma, Chairman,


Page | vi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Malava forest which is in Malava (Kakamega North) Sub-county, Kakamega County

plays a very important role in the livelihood of many people living adjacent and

beyond. It provides a variety of wood and non-wood forest products as well as

intangible ecosystem services to the people within Malava Sub-county and Western

Kenya by extension. The development of this Participatory Forest Management Plan

(PFMP) provides an official avenue for community participation in management and

utilization of forest resources. It is a prerequisite for negotiating and signing a Forest

Management Agreement between KFS and Malava CFA.

Malava PFMP covering five years (2015-2019) was prepared through consultation

with various stakeholders holding various forums. A Local Planning Team (LPT)

constituted by representatives of key stakeholders with interest in Malava forest;

namely KFS, Malava CFA, KWS, WARMA, NEMA, KEFRI, Kakamega County

Government, NGOs and other relevant line ministries. The process was facilitated

by Nature Kenya with funding from GEF/UNDP under the project Strengthening the

Protected Area Network within the Eastern Montane Forest Hotspots of Kenya.

The forest is situated approximately 25 Km North of Kakamega town along

Kakamega - Webuye road. It is positioned at between the Latitudes 02654N to

02944N; and Longitudes 345015E to 345225E. It covers an area of 718.8 ha

including an excision area of 4.5 ha for Malava Girls High School. Its part of the

Kakamega Forest Ecosystem together with Kakamaga, Kibiri, Bunyala, and Kisere

forests.

Biodiversity of Malava forest is closely related to that of the larger Kakamega forest

both in species richness and composition, even though it has relatively low species

abundance due to its small size and past disturbance. Originally the forest was

dominated by Olea capensis, Diospyros abyssinica, Maesopsis eminii and Prunus

africana which are characteristic of a primary forest. These are still present although

in only a small parts of the forest to the South West area adjacent to Malava Girls, to

the East of the Malava-Webuye road. These sites have very high biodiversity and

big trees; some well over 100 years, and is therefore a good research and picnic.

The forest has high diversity animals. A variety of bird species and primates

especially monkeys and baboons are the most conspicuous group of animals in the

forest. Baboons are well known as pests in the farms adjacent to the forest and are a

common scene along the Kakamega Webuye highway, pulling sugarcane to chew

from tractors while on transit to West Kenya and Butali sugar companies. Several

snake species are also present.

Key forest resources in Malava are the tree and other plants within. It has some of

the oldest and largest trees of indigenous species in the region, some of which now

have significant conservation importance having been overexploited elsewhere.

Forest plantations are concentrated in compartments 1 and 3 with Cupressus

lusitanica, Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna dominating the composition in that

order. Compartment 2 is mainly the indigenous forest reserved for conservation.

Other forest resources include honey, mushrooms, termites, Mondia whytei, herbal

medicine, grass for livestock and water from streams among others.

Page | vii

The forest management faces challenges due to inadequate resources to maintain

the dilapidated infrastructure and insufficient facilities and staff carrying out the day

today work. Most affected in the staff shortage are the forest guards and subordinate

staff.

The overall objective of the Malava PFMP is to enhance participation in the

management of Malava Forest for the delivery of the desired socio-economic and

environmental benefits to the people.

This plan has seven management programmes in which each describes the

objectives, strategies, activities and lead institutions. The activity time frame is also

given to assist in planning and monitoring. The programmes are Resource

Protection, Forest Conservation and Rehabilitation, Production, Community

Participation and Intervention, Infrastructure Equipment and Human Resources

Development, Partnership and Networking, and Research and Monitoring

Programmes.

In implementation of this plan stakeholders with interest in Malava forest will be

involved, the key players being KFS and Malava CFA through collaborative

approach. Funds for implementation will be mobilized by the Local Level Forest

Management Committee based on programmes. Cross-cutting issues such as

gender mainstreaming, reproductive health, nutrition and H.I.V/ AIDS, marginalized

groups, Indigenous Knowledge will be taken into consideration.

Malava PFMP has a Monitoring and Evaluation matrix that will assist in assessing its

progress towards success. Monitoring will be continuously done through reports

while evaluation will be done annually. The PFMP will be reviewed mid-term and at

the end of the implementation period. User friendly monitoring tools will be

developed to assist the community in Monitoring and Evaluation.

Page | viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................iii FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................. iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................................. v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................. viii LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... xi

LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... xii

ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS ........................................................................................... xiii

CHAPTER 1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................................ 1

1.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN ........................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Name of the Management Plan .................................................................................... 1 1.1.2 Period/Term of the Management Plan ......................................................................... 1

1.1.3 Legal Authority for Preparation of the Plan.................................................................. 1

1.1.4 Justification of the MPFMP....1

1.1.5 Purpose of the PFMP ............................................................................................ 1 1.1.6 Approach to Development of the Plan ......................................................................... 2 1.1.7 Funding for developing and implementing MPFMP .................................................... 4

1.1.8: Structure of Malava CFA ............................................................................................ 4

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF MALAVA FOREST ................................................................................ 5

1.2.1 Geographical location of Malava Forest ...................................................................... 5 1.2.2 The legal and administrative status of Malava Forest. ................................................. 7

1.2.3 Physical and Physiological description of the Forest ................................................... 8

1.2.4 Biodiversity of Malava Forest ...................................................................................... 9

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF FOREST RESOURCES ........................................................................ 13

1.3.1 Stocking of the forest ................................................................................................ 13

1.3.2 Non-wood forest products ........................................................................................ 13 1.3.3 Forest infrastructure and equipment ......................................................................... 16

1.3.4 Human resources ...................................................................................................... 19

1.3.5 History of the forest................................................................................................... 20

1.4 THREATS AND CONSTRAINTS ....................................................................................... 21

1.4.1 Threats ..................................................................................................................... 21

1.4.2 Management Constraints .......................................................................................... 22

1.5 VALUES OF MALAVA FOREST ....................................................................................... 22

CHAPTER 2.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION .................................................................... 24

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ADJACENT COMMUNITIES ........................................................ 24

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES ................................................................... 25 2.3 COOKING ENERGY CONSUMPTION ............................................................................. 28

2.4 COMMUNITY UTILIZATION OF FOREST PRODUCT ....................................................... 29

Page | ix

2.5 WATER AND SANITATION ............................................................................................. 30

2.6 WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KFS AND MALAVA COMMUNITY ........................ 31 2.7 TREE PLANTING IN MALAVA......................................................................................... 31

CHAPTER 3.0 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS .................................................................................. 33

CHAPTER 4.0 MANAGEMENT VISION, OBJECTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS ......................... 36

4.1 VISION FOR MALAVA FOREST ...................................................................................... 36

4.2 OVERALL OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................... 36 4.3 PLAN CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................... 36

4.3.1 Policies and legal framework .................................................................................... 36 4.3.2 Linkages with relevant existing planning documents ................................................ 43

4.3.3 Linkage with regional and international agreements and conventions ...................... 44

4.4 FOREST MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION ZONATION ................................................ 45

CHAPTER 5.0 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES ......................................................................... 49

5.1 RESOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAMME ....................................................................... 49

5.1.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 49

5.1.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 49

5.1.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 50

5.2 FOREST CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME ................................... 53

5.2.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 53


5.2.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 54

5.3 PRODUCTION PROGRAMME ......................................................................................... 56

5.3.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 56

5.3.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 56 5.3.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 56

5.4 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMME .............................. 57

5.4.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 57

5.4.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 58 5.4.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 58

5.5 INFRASTRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM61

5.5.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 61

5.5.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 61 5.5.3 Programme objectives.............................................................................................. 61

5.6 PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKING PROGRAMME ....................................................... 64

5.6.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 64


Page | x

5.6.3 Programme objectives.............................................................................................. 64

5.7 RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROGRAMME .............................................................. 65

5.7.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 65 5.7.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 65

5.7.3 Programme objectives.............................................................................................. 66

CHAPTER 6.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................... 69

6.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 69 6.2 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES ............................................................................................... 69

6.2.1 Gender mainstreaming ............................................................................................. 69

6.2.2 Reproductive Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS ........................................................... 69

6.2.3 Marginalized groups................................................................................................. 70 6.2.4 Indigenous Knowledge ............................................................................................. 70

6.3 RESOURCE MOBILIZATION ........................................................................................... 70 6.4 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ................................. 70

CHAPTER 7 PLAN MONITORING AND EVALUATION ............................................................... 72

7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 72

7.2 MONITORING ................................................................................................................ 72 7.3 MONITORING INDICATORS (BIOPHYSICAL AND COMMUNITY BASED INDICATORS) .. 72

7.4 DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS................................................................. 72

7.5 RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 72 7.6 MONITORING PLAN ...................................................................................................... 73

7.7 EVALUATION ................................................................................................................ 73

7.8 REVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 73

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 77 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................... 79

Appendix 1: List of Forest Tree Species of Malava ............................................................... 79 Appendix 2: List of Malava Forest Mammals ........................................................................ 80

Appendix 3: Reptiles of Malava Forest ................................................................................ 80

Appendix 4: List of Forest Bird Species of Malava ............................................................... 81 Appendix 5: List of participants in the Plan Development .................................................... 84

Appendix 6: Characteristics of well-being status as perceived by Malava community ........ 90

Appendix 7: Malava Forest Plantation Data Sheet updated September 2015 ....................... 91

Page | xi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1a: Community Sensitization meeting at Malava Forest Station ................................ 3 Figure 1.1b: Malava LPT members during training on Socio-economic and Biodiversity

survey ................................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 1.1c: LPT members identify and map forest resources ............................................... 4 Figure 1.2: Malava CFA structure .......................................................................................... 5

Figure 1.3: Location map of Malava Forest ............................................................................ 6

Figure 1.4: Map of Kakamega Forest Ecosystem showing position of Malava Forest .............. 7 Figure 1.5: Climate graph for Malava Forest ......................................................................... 8

Figure 1.6: Google map showing transects in Malava forest biodiversity survey ................. 10 Figure 1.7: Plate on Malava primary forest .......................................................................... 11

Figure.1.8: Plate on Olive baboon in Malava forest ............................................................. 12

Figure 1.9: Map of Malava Forest showing plantation areas ................................................. 14 Figure 1.10: Beekeeping project by Malava CFA ................................................................ 15

Figure 1.11a: Malava forest station office block ................................................................... 18

Figure 1.11b: Plate on CFA receiving motorbike procured through GEF/UNDP project ..... 19 Figure 1.11c: Plate on Malava CFA Chairman receiving office furniture from Nature Kenya 19

Figure 1.11d: Plate on tree nursery at Malava Forest Station ............................................... 19

Figure 1.12: Plate on elders give out history of Malava forest .............................................. 21 Figure 2.1: Level of education of household heads .............................................................. 25

Figure 2.2: The material used for roofing houses in Malava ................................................. 25

Figure 2.3: Occupational characteristics of Malava community ........................................... 26 Figure 2.4: Having a plot for cultivation in the forest ........................................................... 26

Figure 2.5: Frequency of visiting the forest by forest adjacent community in Malava .......... 27

Figure 2.6: Frequency of visiting the forest by well-being categories ................................. 28 Figure 2.7: Likely benefits mentioned by people who have never visited Malava forest ..... 28

Figure 2.8: Consumption of a bag of charcoal bag: a) Overall and b) by family size............ 29 Figure 2.9: Number of head-loads of firewood consumed per week in Malava ................... 29

Figure 2.10: Source of water for domestic use by wellbeing category ................................. 30

Figure 2.11: Main types of human waste disposal by well-being categories in Malava ........ 31 Figure 2.12: Impact of good relationship between community and KFS in Malava ............... 31

Figure 4.1: Plate on community sketching Malava Forest resources .................................... 45

Figure 4.2a: Malava Forest Resources Sketch Map .............................................................. 47 Figure 4.2b: Zonation map of Malava Forest ........................................................................ 48

Figure 5.1: One of the giant Olea capensis trees in Malava forest ........................................ 50

Figure 5.2: Baboon with its young one crossing road in Malava forest ................................. 51 Figure 5.3: Disturbed site in Malava forest .......................................................................... 51

Figure 5.4: CFA Chairman addressing partners & CFA members at rehabilitated site ........ 54

Figure 5.5: Plate on enrichment planting in Malava Forest .................................................. 54 Figure 5.6: Malava Tree Nursery with seedlings for plantation establishment ..................... 56

Figure 5.7: Plate on on-farm tree farming in Malava ............................................................ 58 Figure 5.8: Plate on improved cook stove ........................................................................... 59

Figure 5.9: Plate on Malava CFA Office ............................................................................... 63

Figure 5.10: Malava forest ranger in joint patrol with community forest scouts .................... 63 Figure 5.11: Team carrying out biodiversity survey in Malava forest .................................. 68

Figure 5.12: KEMRI/KWS team conducting research on olive baboons in Malava Forest ..... 68

Figure 6.1: Institutional arrangements for Malava PFMP implementation ............................ 71

Page | xii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: Road in Malava forest and their conditions .......................................................... 17 Table 1.2: The current and proposed Human resource establishment in Malava F. Station .. 20

Table 1.3: Summary of the management constraints ............................................................ 22

Table 2.1: Population in Forest Adjacent Communities ........................................................ 24 Table 2.2: Livestock owned by the respondents .................................................................. 27

Table 2.4: The wood and non-wood products accessed by the Malava forest community

members ............................................................................................................................ 30 Table 3.1 Stakeholders indicating their roles and responsibilities ...................................... 33

Table 4.1 Criteria for zonation ............................................................................................. 46 Table 5.1: Management interventions on Resource Protection Programme ......................... 52

Table 5.2: Management interventions on Forest Conservation and Rehabilitation program 55

Table 5.3: Management interventions on production programme ....................................... 57 Table 5.4: Management Interventions on community participation and intervention ........... 59

Table 5.5: Management interventions on Infrastructure, Equipment and Human Resources

Development Programme ................................................................................................... 61 Table 5.6: Management interventions on partnership and networking programme ............ 64

Table 5.7: Management interventions on research and monitoring programme .................. 66

Table 7.1 Malava PFMP Monitoring Matrix .......................................................................... 74

Page | xiii

ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS

BIOTA Biodiversity Transect Analysis and Monitoring

M-PFMP Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CBO Community Based Organization

CDF Constituency Development Fund

CFA Community Forest Station

EMCA Environmental Management and Coordination Act

FAC Forest Adjacent Community

GEF Global Environment Facility

GoK Government of Kenya

HIV Human Immune Virus

IBA Important Bird Area

IGA Income Generating Activity

KEFRI Kenya Forestry Research Institute

KERRA Kenya Rural Roads Authority

KFS Kenya Forest Service

KIFCON Kenya Indigenous Forest Conservation

KWS Kenya Wildlife Service

MoALF Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

NBE Nature based Enterprise

NGOS Non-Governmental Organizations

NMK National Museums of Kenya

NWFP Non Wood Forest Products

PELIS Plantation Establishment and Livelihoods Improvement Scheme

PFM Participatory Forest Management

PFMP Participatory Forest Management Plan

SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

WRMA Water Resource Management Authority

WRUA Water Resource Users Association

Page | 1

Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019

CHAPTER 1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

1.1.1 Name of the Management Plan

The name of the management plan shall be Malava Participatory Forest

Management Plan (M-PFMP).

1.1.2 Period/Term of the Management Plan

Upon approval of the plan and signing of the Forest Management Agreement, it shall

be implemented for a period of Five (5) years (2015 2019).

1.1.3 Legal Authority for Preparation of the Plan

Section 35 (1) of the Forests Act 2005 provides that every state, local authority and

provisional forest shall be managed in accordance with a plan that complies with the

requirement prescribed under the rules made under the Act. Being a state forest,

Malava forest is required to comply with this clause. The Forests (Participation in

Sustainable Forest Management) Rules, 2009 gives the guidelines for preparation of

the plans.

1.1.4 Justification of the MPFMP

Malava forest plays a significant role in the livelihoods of the majority of the

community members adjacent to this forest and beyond hence their need to

participate in its management and conservation.

Section 46 of the Forests Act 2005 provides for registration of a community forest

association under the Societies Act (Cap 108) and that it may apply to the Director of

KFS for permission to participate in the management and conservation of a state

owned forest. The Forests Act requires the application to be accompanied by a

management plan or a draft management plan, hence the need to develop this

MPFMP.

1.1.5 Purpose of the PFMP

The Forest Management Plan is a requirement for Malava CFA to meet the

conditions stipulated in Section 46 of the Forests Act 2005 for signing Forest

Management Agreement with Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Besides, the plan will

give guidelines for preparation and implementation of annual work plans and

budgets for proper management of Malava forest in a participatory manner.

Page | 2


1.1.6 Approach to Development of the Plan

The process of developing the Malava PFMP was participatory and involved a

number of key stakeholders. These include the forest adjacent community, through

the Malava CFA, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, NEMA, Nature

Kenya, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Water Resource Management Authority

(WRMA), Ministry of Devolution and Planning and County Government of

Kakamega. Members of the CFA were inducted through two trainings on the PFM

processes in 2014.

Community members were mobilized through barazas by the Interior and National

Coordination Office on the need to have a management plan. Three village level

sensitization meetings on preparation of PFMP were held the month of January 2015

at various locations in Malava. These were at Malava forest station in Matioli

location, in Shitirira Village in Chimuche Location and the third at Bahai Centre of

Township Location.

Four day training for the local planning team and chief was conducted to engage in

data collection on forest resources in April 2015. Socio-economic surveys were

spearheaded by KEFRI assisted by community members as enumerators. Malava

CFA and the Village elders were involved in mapping of well-being/wealth ranking

of the forest adjacent community households. Biodiversity assessment of the forest

was done by officers from KFS and KWS assisted by community scouts in May 2015.

Both the biodiversity and socio-economic reports were presented to stakeholders in

a feedback workshop on 29th May 2015. A small team from the LPT together with the

secretariat convened a 3 day workshop in Kisumu to compile collected information

and prepare zero draft in July 2015. In August 2015 the LPT went through the zero

draft making, filling information gaps and prepared a first draft of the plan. The LPT

held a meeting to share the draft with the key stakeholders, Malava CFA members

and Forest adjacent community members for correction before proceeding further.

Another LPT meeting was organized to incorporate inputs of stakeholders. The

secretariat put u a firt draft which was shared again with stakeholders including the

KFS management plans office at the headquarters in September 2015.

With all comments incorporated, a final Malava PFMP draft was presented again to

stakeholders for validation and final inputs on 1st October 2015. The draft was then

sent for printin and approval by the Director of Kenya Forest Service.

The whole process of developing this management plan was supported by Nature

Kenya with funding from GEF/UNDP project. Some of the pictures taken during the

plan development are presented in figures 1.1a, b and c.

Page | 3


Figure 1.1a: Community Sensitization meeting at Malava Forest Station

Figure 1.1b: Malava LPT members during training on Socio-economic and Biodiversity survey

Page | 4


Figure 1.1c: LPT members identify and map forest resources

1.1.7 Funding for developing and implementing MPFMP

The preparation of the Malava Forest Participatory Management Plan was funded by

GEF/UNDP through Nature Kenya under the project Strengthening the Protected

Area Network within the Eastern Montane Forest Hotspots of Kenya.

The PFMP implementation will be funded by CFA, Kenya Forest Service, County

Government of Kakamega, development partners and other stakeholders. The

funding or support may be programme specific or may combine a number of them.

1.1.8: Structure of Malava CFA

Malava CFA has a structure in the form shown in figure 1.2, which enable adequate

members representation and ensures accountability in its functions.

Page | 5


Figure 1.2: Malava CFA structure

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF MALAVA FOREST

1.2.1 Geographical location of Malava Forest

Malava forest is in Central Kabras Division, Malava Sub-county (Kakamega North

District), Kakamega County. The forest borders Butali sub-location to the North

West, Mukavakava sub-location to the North East, Tande sub-location to the East,

Musingu sub-location to the South East, Isanjiro sub-location to the South and

Malanga sub-location to the South west.

The forest is situated approximately 25 Km North of Kakamega town along

Kakamega - Webuye road. It is positioned between the Latitudes 02654N and

02944N; and Longitudes 345015E and 345225E. The location map of the

forest is in figure 1.3.

CFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FOREST USER GROUPS AND

COMMUNITY FOREST SCOUTS

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

CFA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

CFA MEMBERS

Page | 6


Figure 1.3: Location map of Malava Forest

Source: KFS Survey section

Malava forest is part of the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem together with Kakamaga,

Kibiri, Bunyala and Kisere forests. Its position in the ecosystem map is as shown in

figure 1.4.

Page | 7


Figure 1.4: Map of Kakamega Forest Ecosystem showing position of Malava Forest

Source: BIOTA Atlas, 2010

1.2.2 The legal and administrative status of Malava Forest.

Malava forest is a state forest managed by Kenya Forest Service having been

gazetted under proclamation No.14 of 13th February 1933. It covers an area of 718.8

ha including an excision area of 4.5 ha for Malava Girls High School to the South

West of the forest. It is divided into three administrative beats namely Makhwabuye,

Shitirira and Fukoye for purposes of patrols by forest rangers.

Page | 8


The administration center of the forest is Malava forest station which is situated

about 200m to the left off the Malava-Webuye road at the edge of the forest. The

Forest Station Manager is in charge of all operations, management and

administrations of the forest. He reports to the Kakamega Ecosystem Conservator

who in-turn reports to the Head of Western Conservancy.

1.2.3 Physical and Physiological description of the Forest

The following are the physical and physiological characteristics of Malava forest.

1.2.3.1 Climate

Malava forest area has two rainy seasons. It receives an average annual rainfall of

about 2,000mm. The long rains normally come between the months of April to June

while the short rains come between the months of September to November (see

figure 1.5). This rainfall supports agricultural activities in the area almost throughout

the year.

The mean temperature is 20.40 C; with an average minimum of 140C while the mean

maximum of 280C. February is usually the hottest month while July is the coldest.

Figure 1.5: Climate graph for Malava

Source: http://en.climate-data.org/location/922/

1.2.3.2 Topography

Malava forest is slightly more elevated than the surrounding area. The forest slope

rises gently to the Eastwards with the highest part being just to the east of the

Kakamega Webuye road that passes through the forest. The lowest point is 1580m

and the highest is 1660m above sea level.

Page | 9


1.2.3.3 Geology

The forest is characterized by the Nyanzian and Kavirondian rock formations which

are volcanic of Precambrian age. The main rock formations include laterite, granite,

rhyolite and metabasalt overlaying the basement system. The basalts are partially

intruded by diorite dykes to the North of the forest.

1.2.3.4 Soils

The soils in Malava are medium brown to reddish brown loamy soil that that is

slightly clayey and can moderately support agricultural activities. Closer to the

forest the soils are dark brown loamy due to decomposing organic material derived

from the forest vegetation. The soils have low PH (high acidity).

1.2.3.4 Hydrology

The forest is generally on a higher altitude than the surrounding lands and is nearly

dome shaped resulting in the area having a nearly radial drainage pattern. Several

streams originate or pass through the forest to pour their water into River Nzoia on

its way to Lake Victoria.

Tande and Makwabuye streams exit forest to the West and join up to form

Nambirima River. Several tributaries of Lusumu River originate just outside of the

forest to the South West while Matiti (Lugusi) River exits to the North.

1.2.4 Biodiversity of Malava Forest

Malava forest is one of the patches of Kakamega Forest Ecosystem. The Ecosystem

whose origin is the Guinea Congolian rain forest is home to many species that are

related to the Central and West African flora and fauna. It has several endemic

species of animals and plants that are of importance globally, i.e, threatened,

endangered or endemic (Althof 2005). Biodiversity of Malava forest is closely

related to that of the larger Kakamega forest both in species richness and

composition. However, species abundance is relatively low in Malava as compared

to the Kakamega forest.

A biodiversity survey was carried out in the forest for the purpose of this PFMP. The

transects used for data collection were in the positions indicated in the Figure 1.6.

Page | 10


Figure 1.6: Google map showing transects in Malava forest biodiversity survey

1.2.4.1 The Flora of Malava Forest

The flora of Malava forest is characteristic of mixed young regenerating forest and

strands of plantation forest. The forest has high diversity of tree species. Originally

the forest was dominated by Olea capensis, Diospyros abyssinica, Maesopsis eminii

and Prunus africana which are a characteristic a primary forest. These are still

present although in only a small parts of the forest to the South West area adjacent to

Malava Girls, to the East of the Malava-Webuye road. These sites have very high

biodiversity and big trees; some well over 100 years, and is therefore a good

research and picnic sites. Their population, however, is not large enough to qualify

as primary forests and therefore require conservation measures.

In other sites the four dominant species are not abundant and have been replaced

by Antiaris toxicaria, Croton megalocarpus and Funtumia africana which are classified

as climax species in the early stages of succession, an indicator of past

disturbances.

The high abundance of fast growing species like Croton megalocarpus, Funtumia

africana, Polyscias fulva and Trilepisium madagascariense in most parts of its natural

forest is another evidence for the forest being a regenerating secondary forest

following previous disturbance.

Page | 11


Figure 1.7: Plate on Malava primary forest

The forest is home to threatened tree species, Elgon teak (Olea capensis) and Prunus

africana which are species of special conservation concern as they are prone to over

exploitation due to their high quality timber and medicinal value. Other key trees

species in the area include: Croton megalocarpus, Bridelia mycrantha, Trichilia roka,

Erythrina abyssinica, Prunus africana, Chrysophyllum albidum, Cordia africana,

Spathodea nilotica, Markhamia lutea, Maesopsis eminii, Polyscias fulva, Acacia

abyssinica, Vitex doniana, and Podocarpus spp. The list of tree species recorded and known in Malava Forest is in Appendix 1.

The natural forest is concentrated in the Compartment 2 (Makhwabuye beat) which

has the main primary forest and other secondary forest. Large part of this area is

dominated by Bischofia javanica which was planted but reverted to natural forest

due to high biodiversity. Currently forest plantation is mainly in compartment 1

(Shitirira beat) and 3 (Fukoye beat).

1.2.4.2 Description of the Fauna of Malava Forest

Malava forest being part of the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem is endowed with high

biodiversity of animals. It is therefore ideal for adventure because of the many

baboons and monkeys which are always seen crossing the road.

Mammals

Malava forest has high diversity of primates, with monkeys and baboons being the

most conspicuous group of mammals in the forest. The Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus

Page | 12


mitis stuhlmanni), the Red-tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti), and the

Black-and-white Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza) are the most common. Olive

baboon (Papio cynocephalus anubis) are also present in the forest and are well

known as pests in the farms adjacent to the forest and are a common scene along the

Kakamega Webuye highway, plucking and chewing sugarcane on transit to West

Kenya and Butali sugar companies. Pottos (Perodicticus potto ibeanus), although

probably fairly common and widespread, are nocturnal and much harder to detect.

The other mammals that are not commonly observed but are present include the

two species of duikers Red Duiker and Blue Duiker, Squirrel, hare, mongoose,

bushbuck, porcupine and wild pig. Appendix 2 shows the list of these animals with

both local and common names.

Reptiles

The Malava Forest is said to harbor a unique assemblage of snake species many of

them of West African origin due to its proximity to Kakamega forest. They include

Green Mamba, Jamesons Mamba, Forest Cobra, Prickly Bush Viper, Gaboon Viper,

Rhinoceros Viper and Puff Adder. The forest also has multi-scaled Forest Lizard

among other reptiles. Refer to appendix 3 for details.

Birds

The forest has a close association to the Equatorial Rainforest of Kakamega which is

home to the globally endangered Chapins Flycatcher and Turners Eremomela but

these have not been recorded in Malava forest. However, some regionally

threatened species include: Brown-chested Alethe, Red-tailed Bristlebill, White-

tailed Ant Thrush, Equatorial Akalat, Grey-winged Robin, African Thrush, Yellow-

spotted Barbet, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Least Honey-guide, Brown-

chested Illadopsis, Cassins Honeybird, Ross's Turaco, Senegal Coucal and Cardinal

Wood-pecker. Refer to appendix 4 for a full list of birds of Malava forest.

Fig.1.8: Plate on Olive baboon in Malava forest

Page | 13


Most of the bird species are found in mixed indigenous tree species. Most of these

bird species are crucial for the forest ecosystem as most tree species depend on

them for pollination and seed dispersal, most notably the Black-and-white-casqued

Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus). It was noted that in disturbed habitats remnant

fruiting trees generally attract frugivorous birds which are important seed-dispersal

agents thus help to maintain ecological processes in these degraded habitats.

Invertebrates

Being that the conditions in this forest are similar to the adjacent Kakamega

rainforest, the number of insect species is probably in the tens of thousands. Several

species of insects including butterflies, moths, termites, dragonflies, etc have been

observed but have not been studied and described. Goliath Beetle, one of the

largest beetles in the world has also been observed in the forest. These

invertebrates have various importance to the forest ecosystem and the surrounding

farmlands in among others pollination and decomposition.

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF FOREST RESOURCES

1.3.1 Stocking of the forest

Malava forest being part of the larger Kakamega forest Ecosystem was originally a

natural forest mainly composed of high indigenous trees species like Olea capensis,

Diospyros abyssinica, Maesopsis eminii and Prunus africana. However, deforestation

and pressures on the forest land resulted in clearing of the natural vegetation on

large parts of the forest and replanting with exotic commercial tree species,

Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula, Eucalyptus saligna and Bischofia javanica. A

comprehensive survey on stocking of the natural vegetation has not been done. The

distribution of plantation forest is as shown in Figure 1.9 and the stocking is

presented in Appendix 7.

1.3.2 Non-wood forest products

The main non-wood forest products found in Malava forest include:

Honey- Beekeeping in Malava has been practiced from time immemorial. The

traditional beekeepers used simple hives often made from hollowed logs hives

which they placed up on trees, become. They harvest using fire, a method that risks

destroying the colony, lead to poor yield and low quality honey, besides being risk

to starting wild forest fires. However, some of the beekeepers in Malava have

adopted improved beehives Kenya top bar and langstroth hives (Figure 1.10) and

use of technology in honey harvesting. Within the forest there is an apiary site in

Makhwabuye beat. The demand for honey in the locality and other towns is ever

high for food and medicinal purposes therefore beekeeping is of high potential for

income generation.

Mondia whytei-: This climber plant is common in all forests in Kakamega forest

ecosystem. Its roots are consumed by chewing or powdered form in beverages for

its medicinal value, as appetizers and aphrodisiac. To address the rising demand,

Page | 14


the plant is being domesticated and planted by many community members in their

farms.

Figure 1.9: Map of Malava Forest showing plantation areas

Mushrooms-: The community around Malava forest value mashrooms for their

nutritional value. They grow naturally in parts of the forest, notably near Fukoye and

Makwabuye beats, especially during the rainy season of March- April. People

collect for food at home and sell the excess in the nearby Malava town. Commercial

mushroom farming to satisfy the demand is also a potential area.

Page | 15


Figure 1.10: Beekeeping project by Malava CFA

Termites-: The Luhya community is known for their preference to termites as

delicacy. The people living close to Malava forest value to forest for this purpose

due to numerous anthills within. The insects are most common during the short rainy

season of August upto November. People collect to eat at home and others sell in

town.

Herbal medicine-: The Malava communities use many of the tree and other shrub

and herbs species for medicinal purposes. Some of the most common species are

describe here:

Croton megalocarpus (Omusine) It takes 10 to 25 years to mature, may occur in

mixed farming systems, woodlots, boundaries and, agro forestry systems. The

seed contains up to 32% oils, which have been used favorably as medicine. Bark

is used as a remedy for worms and whooping cough.

Prunus africana (Mwisia)It is a valuable timber and medicinal tree has more

recently come under heavy pressure for wild harvest for timber and bark

extraction, as there is a fast growing market for the bark. Leaves and twigs

contain the same medicinal properties as the bark; so it can be harvested

sustainably while coppicing the tree in agroforestry systems. The active

ingredients in Prunus africana are effective treatment for prostate cancer

(enlarged prostate gland), ailments that affect about 60% of men over the age of

50. Traditional healers also use the bark in treatment of stomach ache and wound

dressing, infusion of leaves is used to improve appetite, treatment of both

bacterial and non-bacterial chronic prostesis and genital infection.

Trichilia emetica (Munyama) is used in traditional medicine to treat various

ailments such as abdominal pains, dermatitis, haemorrhoids, jaundice and chest

pain. This species also known as Natal Mahogany is used for its emetic, diuretic

and purgative properties and for induction of labour. The extensive traditional

Page | 16


use of this species has encouraged scientists to explore several biological

activities including anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antischistosomal,

antiplasmodial, anticonvulsant, antitrypanosomal, anti-oxidant, antitussive,

antimutagenic and hepatoprotective properties. Several limonoids have been

isolated from the stem bark.

Zanthoxylum gilletii (Shikhuma) - The species is used for medicine especially the

bark. The bark of stem and roots is commonly used as an analgesic, especially to

treat burns, rheumatism, headache, stomach-ache, toothache and pain after

childbirth. The bark is also taken against colic and fever and is considered to

have aphrodisiac properties. Bark decoctions are taken against urogenital

problems including kidney complaints and gonorrhoea, as a vermifuge and as

an enema against severe diarrhoea. The bark is applied externally to treat

cough, colds, skin complaints and smallpox. It is also used as fish poison and

arrow poison. The leaves are used to treat heart pains and snake bites.

Grass for livestock-: Some of the Forest Adjacent Communities depend on the forest

for grass for their livestock. Some graze their sheep and cattle in the designated

grazing areas eg. Makwabuye beat, while others cut and carry the grass from

Fukoye and Harambee areas. The communities are allowed to graze in open

unplanted areas and under mature plantations.

Sand and marrum harvesting-: These natural resources occur in parts of the forest

and the community can access to use in building and also sell to generate income.

Sand can be accessed along some streams and rivers e.g in Fukoye, while marrum

is usually excavated in parts of Fukoye and Muhoni area. Besides, a good soil for brick making is also accessed in Fukoye area.

Water-: The forest provides water catchment for various streams emanating and

passing through it. These provide water for industries, domestic, irrigation and

livestock consumption. There are livestock watering points at Makhwabuye along

Tande and Makwabuye streams. There are also various springs for water collection

and Lugusi spring in Harambee has high potential for water bottling.

Other minor forest products in Malava include soil for smearing mud walls, Clay for

pottery, palm leaves, fruit from trees, grass for thatching, forest soils, tree seeds.

1.3.3 Forest infrastructure and equipment

The infrastructure and equipment in Malava forest are as follows;

Roads-: the roads in Malava forest are fairly accessible although some area not

regularly maintained. The access roads that are under the jurisdiction of the County

government passing through the forest are usually well marrumed and therefore

accessible throughout the year. However, forest roads those are exclusively under

KFS usually in poor state due to non-maintenance. The roads in Malava forest and

their conditions are hereby listed in the Table 1.1

Page | 17


Table 1.1: Road in Malava forest and their conditions

Road Length

(Km) Condition Authority

Malava Makwabuye 2.5 well marrumed County government

Malava- Fukoye 5 well marrumed County government

Tande- Fukoye 2 Poor/ needs culvert KFS

Muhoni- Harambee 2 Poor KFS

Duka moja- forest

station

0.2 Poor KFS

Malava girls forest

station

2.5 Proposed; along

forest boundary

KFS, County

government

Firefighting equipment-: Historically, incidences of fire outbreaks have been

relatively low and the few that occur occasionally happen during the dry spell

(December to February). More often than not, the outbreaks are associated with

those grazing in the forest and those collecting honey from trees in the forest (not

using modern methods of honey harvesting). The forest station, however, does not

have fire towers or firefighting equipment. During fire incidences, the members of

community are mobilized to assist fight the fire. Forest scouts and forest rangers are

responsible for surveillance are raising alarm in cases of outbreaks.

Vehicles and Machinery-: the forest station has no vehicle but only one

serviceable motorbike used by forest rangers for patrols. The CFA has one

motorbike donated by Nature Kenya through GEF/UNDP Project in 2012. These are

inadequate for the transport requirement in the station.

Buildings-: the station has inadequate housing for both offices and staff. It has only

one office block with 4 rooms and two residential houses for forest rangers. The

building are old and in need of renovation (Figure 1.11a). The forester, assistant,

some forest rangers and subordinate staff are not housed in the station due to

inadequate housing units.

Electricity-: the forest station is within the main electricity grid that serves Malava

town, market centers and the surrounding schools. The station however has not

been connected.

Communication-: Malava forest station is well served with the main mobile service

providers network although some parts of the forest do not receive good network

coverage. There is no infrastructure for radio communication hence forest rangers

use mobile/ cell phones for communication. There is need to avail radio gadgets for

forest rangers to use especially during patrols.

Water-: There is no connection to the main water supply. The stations tree nursery

uses a portable water pump used to pump water from a nearby stream and store in a

10,000 litres tank at the station.

Page | 18


.

Equipment and Office furniture-: Furniture in the station office and require

replacement. There is no computer due to lack of electricity. The CFA has one

computer with accessories, office desk, chairs, cabinet at a rented office due to lack

of electricity in the station (Figures 1.11b and 1.11c).

Health facility-: The forest has no health facility within the forest station. The staff

members and their families go to Malava Sub-county hospital. The station needs

good sets of toilet faculties for both office and residents.

Tree nursery-: There are two tree nurseries in Malava forest station managed by

KFS and Malava CFA (Figure 1.12d). The tree nurseries need to be expanded to

produce more seedlings and act as training and demonstration sites.

Figure 1.11a: Malava forest station office block

Page | 19


Figure 1.11b: Plate on Malava CFA

receiving motorbike procured through GEF/UNDP project

Figure 1.11c: Plate on Malava CFA Chairman

receiving office furniture from Nature Kenya officer

Figure 1.11d: Plate on tree nursery at Malava Forest Station

1.3.4 Human resources

The current staff establishment is as shown in Table 1.2. The Forest Station Manager

and Kenya Forest Service rangers are trained in their area of operation that is forest

protection and management. The support staffs have also undergone basic training

on issues relating to their duties. However, refresher courses are highly

recommended. The Community forest scouts have received training sponsored by

GEF/UNDP and CDTF-CEF II funded projects but there is need to train eleven more

Page | 20


and provide them with uniforms, gumboots and raincoats. More advanced training

in forest patrol is also needed.

Table 1.2: The current and proposed Human resource establishment in Malava

Forest Station

Designation Current

number

Proposed

number

Forest station manager 1 1

Assistant Forest Manager 1 1

KFS forest rangers 4 10

Support staff 5 10

Clerical officer 0 1

Driver 0 1

Store man 0 1

Community Scouts 7 18

There is need to increase the current staff numbers as indicated in the Table 1.2

above; most of the current staff requires further training in various aspects. There is

need to put emphasis on advancement in knowledge and skills by identifying the

individual skills required for continuous improvement and to provide opportunities

for the staff to strengthen the skills required.

There is need to improve the conditions at their work place by providing the best

tools, equipment and devices that enhance their efficiency and productivity. The

welfare and living conditions of the staff should also be improved.

1.3.5 History of the forest

The area was inhabited by the Kabras people, a sub-tribe of the Luhya community of

Western Kenya who settled there in the 1700s. They utilized the forest resources for

food, building materials and medicine with little restrictions save for individual

integrity and village elders.

The forest ecosystem was a habitat to enormous number of both plants and animals,

including; wild pigs (Luhya: tsimbitsi), Buffaloes (Luhya: tsimbogo), Baboons (Luhya:

Tsinguche), Leopards (Luhya: Ingwe), Black mambas (Luhya: naluru), Quail birds

(Luhya: isindu) etc., and many indigenous plant species like Elgon teak-Olea

capensis.

In 1914 a white missionary called Johnson (later nicknamed Shikanga by natives)

settled in the area from Kaimosi. In his tour of the forest he was mesmerized by the

unique clear view through the forest floor below the thick canopy. The locals

referred to this as Mwalava, a Luhya word loosely translated as clean/ clear

surface. Johnson Shikanga adopted that name for the forest, pronouncing it Malava.

He initiated road projects that transverse the forest.

Page | 21


The forest resource was free for all until 1932 when it was delineated by the colonial

government who put up becons around the forest and restricted access by the

locals. The forest was gazetted and declared government property in full support of

Chief Mulupi Shitanda, but this did not go well with the majority of the locals leading

to some sneaking in to remove building poles at night. Serious forest destruction by

human activities such as the mass logging occurred between 1941 and 1948 when

indigenous trees such as elgon teak, fukoye, Trichilia metica (munyama), Diospyros

abbysinica (lusui) e.t.c. were cut and removed for various purposes.

At about 1949 the government embarked in reforestation programme with labour

from people ferried mainly from Central Kenya and lived in forest villages. They

established plantations of mainly Bischofia javonica. However, the programme was

interrupted due to MAU MAU movement as most of the labourers were taken back

between 1952 and 1953. Some however remained as squatters and settled in the

place named Wakamau adjacent to the forest to the East of the station.

There was a major forest fire in 1957 that destroyed sections of Makhwabuye,

Malanga and Fukoye. Later the forest suffered excision in the early 1980s for

construction of Malava Girls Secondary School and loss of quite significant number

of initially found biota.

1.4 THREATS AND CONSTRAINTS

1.4.1 Threats

Malava forest faces several threats to conservation and production efforts. These

include overgrazing and livestock destruction of planted trees, encroachment and

alteration of forest boundaries, illegal activities like charcoal burning, removal of

Figure 1.12: Plate on elders give out history of Malava forest

Page | 22


fire wood and trees for timber, population pressure leading to human- wildlife

conflicts.

1.4.2 Management Constraints

Some of the management constraints being witnessed in Malava forest include:

Inadequate personnel and training. There is need to recruit a driver, a clerical

officer and a storekeeper as well as additional community forest scouts. This

would help to address the problem of understaffing and role overlap. In addition

regular staff retraining would sharpen their skills and improve on service

delivery and enhance customer satisfaction.

Lack of necessary and appropriate building and equipment: the forest station

lacks adequate building and amenities to make the staff comfortable and efficient

at work. There is in no electric power to the station and the road network is in a

dilapidated state. There is no piped water system and there is heavy reliance on

rain water and water from streams/rivers.

Other constraints: the station lacks proper means of transport as there is no

vehicle. Sources of funding for income generating activities are limited leading

to over exploitation of forest resources by the neighbouring communities.

Table 1.3: Summary of the management constraints

Major constraints Minor constraints

Inadequate staff Inadequate incentives to community scouts

Inadequate of utility services e.g

housing, vehicles, water supply,

communication and electricity.

Inadequate training in forest

management

Inadequate rangers outpost Technologies such as lack of computer technology and Radio sets

Insufficient office space and furniture Lack of fire towers and firefighting equipment

1.5 VALUES OF MALAVA FOREST

The forest adjucent community attaches a number of values on the forest. These are

economic, cultural, social, religious/spiritual and moral.

Forest plantations are the main source for revenue generation for KFS and source of

timber for the community and round wood industrial development. The forest is

source of energy for the community. Noting that the majority of the sorrounding

community are poor, they primarily depend on fuel-wood from the forest for

heating, cooking and sometimes lighting. Some others collect extra fuelwood for

sale,hence the community view the forest as an important source of those products.

Grazing of animals. The forest has glades and mature plantation areas where

grazing of livestock is allowed. These are upto 40ha have been zoned for

communities to graze their animals and include area in Fukoye beat.

Page | 23


The forest is also valued highly for its water catchment impotance. It is part of the

Lake Victoria basin as several streams orginate within or just close to the forest and

these provide the water for livestock, domestic use and irrigation by noth the local

community and beyond.

Malava forest is habitat to high number of plants and animals. These have various

importance, some of which have not been exhaustively studied hence not known.

The forest is therefore valued for ecotourism and scientific researches. The forest

has a research area of about 3ha established by ICRAF for progeny (provenance)

trials which is now managed by KEFRI. Leisure walks within the forest is common as

people take break from hustles of life to refresh in the forest.

The forest is used for spiritual purposes as people go to the forest to meditate and

connect to the super natural being in the peaceful atmosphere. Besides the local

Kabras people use it for various cultural rites.

Page | 24


CHAPTER 2.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION

This section describes the social, economic and cultural characteristics of the

community adjacent and dependent on Malava forest. Amongst the community

socio-economic attributes captured include: household and family sizes, education

levels, employment status and types, average daily household expenditure,

average monthly income, main sources of income amongst other socio-economic

aspects of the community members. Dependence on the forest by the community

was also assessed together with other benefits associated with forest resources. All

these were assessed in relation to Malava forest.

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ADJACENT COMMUNITIES

The Luhya is the main ethnic group in Malava with the Kabras subtribe being

dominant in the area. The other sub-tribes in the area the Maragoli, Tachoni, Bukusu

and Isukha.

The forest adjacent areas have high population with a total of 17,594 people and

density of 572 in the six sub locations surrounding the forests. See table 2.1.

Table 2.1: Population in Forest Adjacent Communities

Sub-Location Population (No) Households

(No)

Density

(No/Km2)

Butali 3,647 756 397

Mukavakava 3,230 578 451

Tande 3,928 836 423

Musingu 2,530 490 460

Isanjiro 1,954 519 736

Malanga 2,305 487 966

Total 17,594 3,666 572

Source: Kenya National bureau of statistics 2009 census

Most of the people (over 50%) in Malava have an average land size of between 1-3

acres, however majority of the very rich have up to more than 8ac. Eighty one

percent (81%) are married while the rest are widowed (11%), divorced/separated

(1%) or single (7%). The literacy level is high with 74% of population having at least

standard 5 level of education (Figure 2.1).

Page | 25


Figure 2.1: Level of education of household heads

The Malava community categorized themselves in the four well-being categories

(very rich, rich, poor and very poor) based on the criteria shown in appendix 6. The

poor were sixty percent (60%), very poor (22%), rich (12%) and very rich (6%).

This implies that most of the community members are poor. The dominant roofing

material is corrugated iron sheet, grass-thatched houses were most common for

over 18% of the very poor and 12% of the poor (Figure 2.2).

Figure 2.2: The material used for roofing houses in Malava

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

In terms of occupation and livelihood characteristics (Figure 2.3), most community

members are subsistence farmers (75%); others are registered wage earners

(10%), casual workers (5%) and traders (4%). This is shown in Figure 2.3.

Page | 26


Figure 2.3: Occupational characteristics of Malava community

About 61% of land in Malava is not registered under the name of the occupant and

most of this land 84% is inherited family land thus it is usually divided amongst

mainly sons of the household head. The main cash crop in Malava is sugarcane in

69% of the households whereas others are horticultural crops. The main subsistence

crops are maize and sweet potatoes. Other crops also used as subsistence include

beans, cassava, millet, yams, wheat, arrow roots and bananas. Among all well-being

categories, over 60% of the farms do not satisfy the family food demand for the

whole year. Most of the families supplement the deficit by buying from the market

(66%), market/leasing land (18%) and cultivating in the forest (10%).This implies

that the forest through PELIS plays an important role in food security to this

community.

The produce from the plot in forest were used for domestic use and for sale. For

those not having a plot to cultivate in the forest (Figure 2.4), it was noted that the

very rich hardly had a plot to cultivate while the poor and the very poor had the

larger shares. The main reasons given for not having a plot to cultivate in the forest

were lack of a plot, lack of money to rent that plot, lack of information and long

distance to the forest. In order to ensure the community participation in forest

management, deliberate efforts to involve them may be encouraged through CFA.

Figure 2.4: Having a plot for cultivation in the forest

The average number of various domestic animals in Malava is summarized in Table

2.2. The main reason for keeping cattle is milk production, income to the farmer and

Page | 27


manure. Other reasons for keeping animals are for meat, cultural significance such

as marriage and ploughing. These animals are mainly grazed on-farm only (56%), in

the forest (17%), and along road reserves (9%). Over 61% of respondents had space for growing fodder for their animals. This area was between 1-12ac while

others plant on the terraces. The area allocated to fodder in most cases is small

because of competition for land for other uses particularly subsistence farming and

cash crops such as sugarcane. Fodder supply from the farms does not satisfy the

demand throughout the year except for 18% of the respondents. The season with

serious deficit was the dry season thus a need to store some fodder/silage in wet

season for use during this period. Beekeeping in Malava has low adoption as

reflected by the number of people having beehives.

Table 2.2: Livestock owned by the respondents

Livestock N Maximum Mean Std.

Deviation

Cattle 121 22 3.2 4.1

Goat 110 24 0.7 3.0

Sheep 112 6 0.3 1.0

Donkey 108 0 0 0

Poultry 123 100 8.6 11.2

Bees 109 6 0.2 1.0

Other 108 5 0.2 0.8

Current utilization of wood and non-wood forest products

Most of respondents (92%) in Malava live within 2km from the forest. About 62%

visit that forest weekly for various reasons (Figure 2.5). The very poor and the poor

visit the forest more frequently than any other category suggesting that they depend

on the forest more than other categories (Figure 2.6). Thus any forest intervention

introduced in that area should take their interest into consideration.

Figure 2.5: Frequency of visiting the forest by forest adjacent community in Malava

Page | 28


Figure 2.6: Frequency of visiting the forest by well-being categories

51% of those who had visited the forest indicated that the forest cover status had

increased while (43%) indicated that it had decreased. However, 46% indicated that

the increase in forest cover was due to protection while others indicated that the

forest cover had decreased due to encroachment, human settlement (44%) and

poaching (10%).

The people who had never visited the forest (64%) indicated that the benefits which

they may derive from the forest include water catchment, forest products, PELIS and

ecotourism (Figure 2.7).

Figure 2.7: Likely benefits mentioned by people who have never visited Malava forest

2.3 COOKING ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The main types of cooking fuel are firewood (74%) and charcoal (15%). Most of the

fuel wood used is produced on-farm (72%) whereas 28% comes from the forest.

One bag of charcoal is used for 1-2 weeks by 63% of the respondents. Family size

does not seem to have an effect in the time taken to consume a bag of charcoal

Page | 29


(Figure 2.8). The species preferred for firewood and charcoal are Eucalyptus spp,

Grevillea robusta and indigenous species.

a) b) Figure 2.8: Consumption of a bag of charcoal bag: a) Overall and b) by family size.

Majority of the population use firewood at the rate of 1-2 head-loads per week but

there are those use more 5 head-loads per week (Figure 2.9).

Figure 2.9: Number of head-loads of firewood consumed per week in Malava

The majority of community members are aware of the energy saving devices (62%);

however, only 38% have used an energy saving jiko in their homes. Among those

who have used these jikos; 53% (rich), 50% (very rich), 39% (poor) and 28% (very

poor) suggesting that the very rich and rich can easily adopt new technology

compared to other categories. The challenges of not using energy saving jikos were

noted as lack of information on jikos (36%), inefficiency of jikos (32%), its

ineffectiveness (22%), high price (5%) and hard to light (5%).

2.4 COMMUNITY UTILIZATION OF FOREST PRODUCT

The community members living around Malava forest depend a lot on a variety of

resources from the forest, both wood and non-wood products for food and income

Page | 30


generation. The list of forest products commonly used by the Malava community is

in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: The wood and non-wood products accessed by the Malava forest community members

Wood-products Non-wood products Services Firewood Honey Water Timber Mushrooms Carbon-sequestration Withes White ants (kumbe kumbe) Eco-tourism Farm hand-tools Herbal medicine Scenic/aesthetic value Building poles Grass for animals and thatching Soil conservation Fish Habitat for birds, reptiles and

primates

2.5 WATER AND SANITATION

The main sources of water are spring and borehole (Figure 2.10). The other sources

are stream, well, rain and piped water.

For human waste disposal, pit latrines were the most common type used; the use of

septic tank and main sewer was rare. Use of the bush as a means of human waste

disposal was recorded among the poor and very poor categories (Figure 2.11). This

calls for a deliberate effort to improve sanitation (of building latrines) among the

poor and very poor by the relevant department in Kakamega County.

Figure 2.10: Source of water for domestic use by wellbeing category

Page | 31


Figure 2.11: Main types of human waste disposal by well-being categories in

Malava

2.6 WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KFS AND MALAVA COMMUNITY

82% of the community indicated that there is a good working relationship between

KFS and the community in Malava. The impact of this relationship is reflected on the

activities community undertook to promote environmental conservation such as

raising tree seedlings and plantation establishment (37%), assisting in fighting

forest fires and community policing by reporting those who participate in illegal

activities in the forest (25%) as shown in Figure 2.12.

Figure 2.12: Impact of good relationship between community and KFS in Malava

2.7 TREE PLANTING IN MALAVA

About 53% of respondents had planted trees in the forest within the last five years

and the tree species they planted included Markhamia lutea, Cupressus lusitanica,

Page | 32


Bischofia javanica, Zanthoxylum gillettii (Eshikhuma), Eucalyptus, Cordia africana and

Syzygium guineense (Emisemwa).

The most common trees on farms in Malava are Eucalyptus spp, Markhamia lutea,

Cupressus lusitanica, Grevillea robusta and Persea americana (Avocado). The

dominant fruits trees on farms are avocado, guava, pawpaw, mangoes and constitute

46% of the total fruit trees. The most common indigenous trees planted were

Markhamia lutea and Croton megalocarpus among others. The most widespread

exotic species in the area were Eucalyptus spp, Grevillea robusta and Cupressus

lusitanica. However, naturally regenerating species are Markhamia lutea, Psidium

guajava and Croton megalocarpus.

The main reasons for planting trees included firewood, charcoal and income (42%).

Fifty seven (57%) indicated that trees on their farms met their demand for various

products while 43% of the respondents, trees on their farms did not satisfy their

demand for various forest products hence got products from outside the farm.

Eighty nine percent (89%) of respondents have plans to plant more trees in their

farms, the tree species they intend to plant were Eucalyptus spp, Grevillea robusta,

Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula among others.

Page | 33


CHAPTER 3.0 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS

Stakeholders play various important roles in the management and utilization of

resources in Malava forest. The important stakeholders range from local groups,

government institutions, Non-governmental organizations, research institutions,

private companies and the county governments. The integration and good working

relationship of different stakeholders would ensure:

Resource ownership

Promotion of environmental accountability

Collective decision making

Sustained long-term resource management on sustainable basis

Strengthened social security, respected traditional user-rights and access

Table 3.1 Stakeholders indicating their roles and responsibilities

Stakeholder Category Roles and responsibilities Remarks

Kenya Forest

Service

Primary Forest management

Policy formulation,

Enforcement of the Forest Act

2005

Awareness and sensitization

Financing operations and

resource mobilization

Licensing of access and use of

forests

Monitoring and Evaluation

Ecotourism development in

the forest

Key implementer of the

PFMP with Community

Malava CFA Primary Forest Protection (through

community scouts)

Conflicts resolution

Raising seedling and tree

planting

Community mobilization

Resource mobilization

Sensitization and awareness

Manage IGAs (ecotourism

etc)

Key implementer of the PFMP in partnership

with KFS.

CFA to sign FMA with KFS

Kenya Wildlife

Service (KWS)

Primary Protection of wildlife

Human-wildlife conflicts

resolution

Enforcement of Wildlife

Conservation and

Management Act 2013

Wildlife enterprise licensing

Key stakeholder

County

government of

Kakamega

Primary Roads improvement and

maintenance

Cess collection

Infrastructure in intervention

Key stakeholder

Page | 34

Malava Participatory Forest Manageme

Documents

Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan 2015 - 2019