Local Participation in Community Forest Associations: A Case Study of Sururu and Eburu Forests, Kenya

Abstract

Participation of local communities in the management and utilization of state-owned forest resources has
\nbecome widely recognized in contrast to centralised forms of forest governance. This paper examined the
\nextent of inclusiveness and household participation in community forest associations (CFAs) adjacent to Sururu
\nand Eburu forests in Kenya. The probit model was used to assess the socio-economic factors determining
\nparticipation in the CFAs. The study established that gender (P<0.05), group membership (P<0.0001),
\nownership of tree nursery (P<0.0001), wealth status (P<0.0001), percentage share of wage income (P<0.05),
\nand farm size allocated to trees (P<0.05) significantly influenced CFA participation. However, because of high
\nopportunity participation costs some poor (68%) and rich (65%) households did not participate in CFA
\nactivities. Since households participated in CFAs to derive livelihood gains, unclear participation benefits
\noffered little incentive to get involved. Thus participation in CFA activities remained low. Therefore, Kenya
\nForest Service should review participation guidelines to enable effective CFA input in decision making on
\nforest issues.