INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON ACCESS, USE AND MANAGEMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES IN KAPCHEMUTWA FOREST, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine the Influence of gender on access, use and management of Forest Resources in Kapchemutwa forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The specific objectives were to examine factors that defines gender roles in relation to forest resource management, to identify the practical and strategic needs of different gender groups in relation to access, use and management of forest resources, to analyze the ways in which gender roles affect access to access, use of forest resources at community level for livelihood improvement and to determine how the different gender groups could be integrated into sustainable management of forest resources, based on their roles, relations and needs. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sampling frame for this study comprised of key informants, drawn from 3288 households. Both primary and secondary data was obtained for the study. Interviews, questionnaire, focus group discussions, observations and photography comprised the main sources of primary data. Secondary data was obtained from review of published and unpublished materials. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendencies such as frequencies, means and percentages while qualitative data were summarized and interpreted in line with the research objectives and questions. Results of data analysis were presented in form of figures and tables. The study findings showed that males and youth depended on the forest for poles, timber and charcoal while women mostly obtained firewood, medicine and food from the forest. Further, the major factors that influenced the access, use and management of forest resources in Kapchemutwa forest were resource use and monetary values attached to the resources. However, knowledge on forest resources, climatic conditions and cultural values also influenced the access, use and management of forest resources. The study findings further found out that involvement of men and women in decision making on matters concerning the use of forest resources was a key element in achieving forest resource management and sustainability. It is hoped that the findings of this study may benefit the inhabitants of Keiyo North Sub-County in terms of sharing of community resources. The study will further benefit the government through the Kenya Forest Services (KFS) in formulating policies and decisions on gender equity on forest resource management. The study will further form a basis for further research on gender and natural resources management.