Kenya

Analysis of Drivers and Underlying Causes of Forest Cover Change in Various Forest Types of Kenya

BACKGROUND

This study presents findings on the nature and extent of major drivers and underlying causes of land cover change; mainly deforestation and forest degradation in various ecoregions of Kenya. In 2010, Kenya joined the global initiative spearheaded by the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Fund (FCPF)to reduce emissions of carbon from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+).

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Land Cover Dynamics in the Kirisia Forest Ecosystem, Samburu County, Kenya

background

Throughout Africa, forest ecosystems play a significant role in supporting local livelihoods. In Kenya specifically, these ecosystems contribute to economic development while also improving watershed dynamics. Yet, these ecosystems have experienced significant changes over the decades. This study aims to quantify these land changes in the Kirisia forest ecosystem from 1973 to 2015. 

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Ecological Study of Kirisia Forest Reserve

Background

In order to inform a 2009 Conservation Enterprise Development Program, a preliminary ecological survey was carried out at the Kirisia Forest Reserve in Samburu District, Kenya. The survey was in response to an aerial survey conducted by the Wilderness Foundation UK that examined potential drivers of forest destruction.

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Quelques réussites dans la réduction de la déforestation: Des pays tropicaux où les politiques de protection de la forêt et de reboisement ont fonctionné

This report highlights successes of developing countries and their strategies for reducing deforestation and as a result, their emissions of greenhouse gases. The authors note that decreases in deforestation are primarily a result of REDD+ programs, including payments for ecosystem services, better law enforcement, governance reforms, moratoria on deforestation practices, and incorporating the environment in development efforts. Other successes come from policy changes and programs that have had intended and unintended positive impacts on forests.

 

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Pratiques de restauration des zones degradees d’Afrique de l’Est (Restoration practices in degraded landscapes of Eastern Africa)

The author provides an introduction to the state of the land, i.e. extent of degradation in eastern Africa. He then goes on to discuss restoration practices and for degraded landscapes in eastern Africa. The author also provides an evaluation of reforestation practices currently in use. The author ends by reviewing successful technologies for reforestation in eastern Africa and offering suggestions for scaling up.

 

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Trends in forest condition, threats and conservation action as derived from participatory monitoring in coastal Kenya

Background

The coastal forests of Kenya are conservation priorities hosting high levels of biodiversity. Monitoring of biodiversity in these forests is therefore necessary to understand and reverse negative trends in good time.

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Carbon Footprint: Great Rift Valley, Kenya

BACKGROUND

This project takes place in the Kikuyu Escarpment, Western Kenya. The Kikuyu escarpment forest has a high biodiversity and the services the ecosystem provides, particular water, is a key source for neighboring communities' livelihoods. Environmental degradation through charcoal burning, logging for timber and fuel wood, ring-debarking for medicinal trees and overgrazing are negatively affecting these services and depleting the area of important vegetation cover. 

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BGCI: Brackenhurst Botanic Garden, Kenya and Tooro Botanical Gardens, Uganda

BACKGROUND

This paper presents a summary of a project implemented in East Africa by BCGI. Africa experiences a net loss of 3.4 million hectares of forest annually from data available for the period 2000-2010. Despite a steep rise in the number of forest management plans in place across Africa, and a small increase in the area of protected forest (FAO, 2010), high reliance on wood as a fuel source, continued forest conversion to agriculture and development and selective extraction of valuable  medicinal and timber species, continue to put pressure on Africa’s forests and forest resources.

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Regeneration Status of Mangrove Forests in Mida Creek, Kenya: A Compromised or Secured Future?

Background

This study investigates natural regeneration and timber potential of the mangrove forests of Mida Creek for better management through the principle of sustained yields.

Research Goals & Methods

A stratified sampling technique was used in two main study areas. Transects and quadrants were used to measure vegetation measurements, species density, and frequency.

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Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources through a Participatory Approach - Kenya

background

This study reviews an ongoing mangrove restoration project in the Ghazi region of Kenya. The study seeks to improve the sustainable development and conservation of mangrove forests in order to enhance productivity of natural resources in ways that sustain continuous flow of desired forest products and services. All 10 mangroves found in the Indian Ocean region are found in Ghazi. The dominant mangroves in the Ghazi area are Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal and Avicennia marina.

Open access copy available
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