Woody Species Comparisons Between Conserved and Communal Sites and Woody Plant Use by Local Communities: A Case Study of Eselenkei And Kimana Group Ranches in Southern Kajiado, Kenya
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Date
2006-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
A study that combined vegetation analysis with ethnobotanical approach was undertaken
in Eselenkei and Kimana Group Ranches, in southern Kajiado, Kenya. The study
particularly looked at the impact of setting aside conservation areas on woody species in
traditionally pastoral rangelands. Systematic sampling was carried out to compare woody
species diversity, density, regeneration. Quantitative ethnobotanical methods based on
semi-structured interviews, paired comparisons of threatening activities to woody species
and researcher’s observations were also employed. These were to evaluate local
community attitudes to conservation areas, their woody plant use and single out one most
threatening activity to the existence of woody species in the two Group Ranches.
Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) of woody species was 1.078 and 1.758 in Eselenkei
and 1.290 and 1.116 in Kimana in conserved and communal sites respectively and did not
differ significantly in both cases (P>0.05). Mean woody species density in Eselenkei was
290.52 stems/ha and 280.17stems/ha in conserved and communal sites respectively. In
Kimana, the mean woody density was 67.19 stems/ha and 107.82 stems/ha in Acacia
xanthophloea woodland and 97 stems/ha and 57 stems/ha in Acacia tortilis woodland in
conserved and communal sites respectively. There were no significant differences in
mean densities in both study areas in conserved and communal sites (P>0.005). More
seedlings and saplings were recorded in conserved areas than at communal areas in both
sites, though the differences were not significant (P>0.05). Fifty two percent of
respondents in both sites were positive towards the conservation area within their Group
Ranches. Men were more positive towards the conservation area in both sites compared
to women. Knowledge distribution of local plant use was not significantly different
between gender but the elderly were more knowledgeable than the youth (P<0.05).
Charcoal production in Kimana, and fencing and construction at Eselenkei were
identified as the most threatening activities to woody species. Continuous monitoring of
woody species within conserved and communal areas can help detect changes and
associated threats. Community members should equally participate in natural resource
management plans to develop effective conservation and sustainable utilization of woody
species. Conservation of the natural resource base needs to target on the entire ecosystem,
as revealed by multiple uses of various woody species by the local community.
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Biology