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+).

GOALS & METHODS

To achieve objectives of this study, authors used different methods to gather data and information in both primary and secondary format. Primary sources included four consultative workshops with stakeholders from selected forestry regions and or conservancies. Workshops complimented expert and contact group interviews.  Secondary sources used literature reviews, and analysis of socio-economic data and using geo-spatial analyses and change modeling. 

Reported Takeawas

The report concludes with a number of proposed mitigation measures and strategies that could be used to build a national REDD+ strategy to reduce deforestation and forest degration. It is further emphasized that future REDD+ projects should take cognizance of specific issues which vary among different regions.