Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan 2015 - 2019
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Transcript of Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan 2015 - 2019
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MALAVA PARTICIPATORY FOREST
MANAGEMENT PLAN
2015 2019
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Malava Community Forest Association
P.O Box 172, Malava - 50103 Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
The preparation, printing and distribution of the document has been with the
financial assistance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) (Award ID: 00058356). The contents of this
document are the sole responsibility of the Malava Forest Station Participatory
Forest Management Plan Local Planning Team and Nature Kenya, and cannot under
normal circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the GEF nor the
UNDP.
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MALAVA PARTICIPATORY FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
2015 - 2019
Prepared by Local Planning Team1
Produced with financial assistance by GEF/UNDP through Nature Kenya
2015
Available at:
Kenya Forest Service, Headquarters
Head of Conservancy, Western Conservancy
Ecosystem Conservators Office, Kakamega
Malava Forest Station
Malava Community Forest Association
Nature Kenya
1 List of members of Local planning in the appendix 5
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FOREWORD
The Malava Forest Participatory Management Plan is the outcome of a planning
process lasting almost 1 year from November 2014. The planning process was
supported through the Nature Kenya which was financed by Global Environment
Facility/United Nation Development Programme (GEF/UNDP). The plan was
developed by institutional members of the Focal Area Team namely: the Kenya
Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Wildlife Service, National
Environment Management Authority, Water Resource Management Authority and
Ministry of Devolution and Planning. In addition to these institutional partners, there
was consultation with the Community, Malava Community Forest Association (CFA)
and many other organizations and individuals. At the outset, the challenge was to
produce a participatory Forest Management Plan for Malava Forest Station which
would meet the needs of all stakeholders in the forest, building on the proven
traditional management system of the local people and provide a useful document
for managing the forest and the neighbouring farmlands, some of which were
formerly forest area.
A plan which looked attractive but did not have the consensus of all stakeholders, or
one might be rapidly consigned to bookshelves and libraries, would not meet this
challenge, and it is hoped therefore that this plan will provide a useful document for
many people in future years. The task has been not only to follow a process, but also
to define and test the planning process itself, since this has been a new experience
in Kenya where local community have been invited to manage the forest in
collaboration with the government. The plan shows that community members can
be good managers of the resource within their areas once empowered. It
recognizes need to manage the forest jointly with neighbouring communities. In
many ways, therefore, this plan conforms to the requirements of the Forests Act
No.7, 2005 which requires that all stakeholders be involved in the management of
forests.
Through this plan, Kenya Forest Service will enter into the process of negotiating a
forest management agreement with the Malava CFA, which will ensure that the local
communities participate in conservation and benefit in terms of forest user rights.
We anticipate that this partnership arrangement will contribute to improved forest
management and local community livelihoods. To make this happen, we are calling
upon other stakeholders to join hands with us to ensure that Malava Forest provides
better forest products and services at all levels, local, national and international.
Dr. Paul Matiku
Executive Director, Nature Kenya.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Malava Community Forest Association would like to extend sincere gratitude to the
Kenya Forest Service for creating an enabling environment for the development of
this Participatory Forest Management Plan which will lead to the entering into a
Forest Management Agreement between Malava CFA and Kenya Forest Service.
The CFA would also like to recognize the efforts of the Local Planning Team (LPT)
represented by the following institutions; County Government of Kakamega, Kenya
Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Wildlife Service, National
Environment Management Authority, Water Resource Management Authority,
Ministry of Devolution and Planning, and Nature Kenya.
We would like to appreciate the financial support from GEF/UNDP through Nature
Kenya for the development of this Plan.
Sincere appreciations also go to all Malava CFA members and the executive
committee for their invaluable contribution to the preparation of the Plan, especially
in organizing community meetings and coordinating collection of information. We
would also like to appreciate the contribution of the local opinion leaders, Ministry
of Interior and Coordination, Forest Adjacent Communities (FACs) for providing us
with relevant information that was required for the development of this Plan.
Finally, the CFA would like to appreciate the contribution of the KFS Assistant
Director, Head of Management Plans, Mr. J. K Macharia, for his selfless dedication to
the entire process and guiding the LPT towards the development of this
Participatory Forest Management Plan.
Since it is not possible to thank each and every one individually, Malava CFA
expresses gratitude to the many men and women who in one way or the other have
contributed to the development of this Participatory Forest Management Plan.
James Shihuma, Chairman,
Malava Community Forest Association
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Malava forest which is in Malava (Kakamega North) Sub-county, Kakamega County
plays a very important role in the livelihood of many people living adjacent and
beyond. It provides a variety of wood and non-wood forest products as well as
intangible ecosystem services to the people within Malava Sub-county and Western
Kenya by extension. The development of this Participatory Forest Management Plan
(PFMP) provides an official avenue for community participation in management and
utilization of forest resources. It is a prerequisite for negotiating and signing a Forest
Management Agreement between KFS and Malava CFA.
Malava PFMP covering five years (2015-2019) was prepared through consultation
with various stakeholders holding various forums. A Local Planning Team (LPT)
constituted by representatives of key stakeholders with interest in Malava forest;
namely KFS, Malava CFA, KWS, WARMA, NEMA, KEFRI, Kakamega County
Government, NGOs and other relevant line ministries. The process was facilitated
by Nature Kenya with funding from GEF/UNDP under the project Strengthening the
Protected Area Network within the Eastern Montane Forest Hotspots of Kenya.
The forest is situated approximately 25 Km North of Kakamega town along
Kakamega - Webuye road. It is positioned at between the Latitudes 02654N to
02944N; and Longitudes 345015E to 345225E. It covers an area of 718.8 ha
including an excision area of 4.5 ha for Malava Girls High School. Its part of the
Kakamega Forest Ecosystem together with Kakamaga, Kibiri, Bunyala, and Kisere
forests.
Biodiversity of Malava forest is closely related to that of the larger Kakamega forest
both in species richness and composition, even though it has relatively low species
abundance due to its small size and past disturbance. Originally the forest was
dominated by Olea capensis, Diospyros abyssinica, Maesopsis eminii and Prunus
africana which are characteristic of a primary forest. These are still present although
in only a small parts of the forest to the South West area adjacent to Malava Girls, to
the East of the Malava-Webuye road. These sites have very high biodiversity and
big trees; some well over 100 years, and is therefore a good research and picnic.
The forest has high diversity animals. A variety of bird species and primates
especially monkeys and baboons are the most conspicuous group of animals in the
forest. Baboons are well known as pests in the farms adjacent to the forest and are a
common scene along the Kakamega Webuye highway, pulling sugarcane to chew
from tractors while on transit to West Kenya and Butali sugar companies. Several
snake species are also present.
Key forest resources in Malava are the tree and other plants within. It has some of
the oldest and largest trees of indigenous species in the region, some of which now
have significant conservation importance having been overexploited elsewhere.
Forest plantations are concentrated in compartments 1 and 3 with Cupressus
lusitanica, Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna dominating the composition in that
order. Compartment 2 is mainly the indigenous forest reserved for conservation.
Other forest resources include honey, mushrooms, termites, Mondia whytei, herbal
medicine, grass for livestock and water from streams among others.
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The forest management faces challenges due to inadequate resources to maintain
the dilapidated infrastructure and insufficient facilities and staff carrying out the day
today work. Most affected in the staff shortage are the forest guards and subordinate
staff.
The overall objective of the Malava PFMP is to enhance participation in the
management of Malava Forest for the delivery of the desired socio-economic and
environmental benefits to the people.
This plan has seven management programmes in which each describes the
objectives, strategies, activities and lead institutions. The activity time frame is also
given to assist in planning and monitoring. The programmes are Resource
Protection, Forest Conservation and Rehabilitation, Production, Community
Participation and Intervention, Infrastructure Equipment and Human Resources
Development, Partnership and Networking, and Research and Monitoring
Programmes.
In implementation of this plan stakeholders with interest in Malava forest will be
involved, the key players being KFS and Malava CFA through collaborative
approach. Funds for implementation will be mobilized by the Local Level Forest
Management Committee based on programmes. Cross-cutting issues such as
gender mainstreaming, reproductive health, nutrition and H.I.V/ AIDS, marginalized
groups, Indigenous Knowledge will be taken into consideration.
Malava PFMP has a Monitoring and Evaluation matrix that will assist in assessing its
progress towards success. Monitoring will be continuously done through reports
while evaluation will be done annually. The PFMP will be reviewed mid-term and at
the end of the implementation period. User friendly monitoring tools will be
developed to assist the community in Monitoring and Evaluation.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................iii FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................. iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................................. v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................. viii LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... xi
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... xii
ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS ........................................................................................... xiii
CHAPTER 1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................................ 1
1.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN ........................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Name of the Management Plan .................................................................................... 1 1.1.2 Period/Term of the Management Plan ......................................................................... 1
1.1.3 Legal Authority for Preparation of the Plan.................................................................. 1
1.1.4 Justification of the MPFMP....1
1.1.5 Purpose of the PFMP ............................................................................................ 1 1.1.6 Approach to Development of the Plan ......................................................................... 2 1.1.7 Funding for developing and implementing MPFMP .................................................... 4
1.1.8: Structure of Malava CFA ............................................................................................ 4
1.2 DESCRIPTION OF MALAVA FOREST ................................................................................ 5
1.2.1 Geographical location of Malava Forest ...................................................................... 5 1.2.2 The legal and administrative status of Malava Forest. ................................................. 7
1.2.3 Physical and Physiological description of the Forest ................................................... 8
1.2.4 Biodiversity of Malava Forest ...................................................................................... 9
1.3 DESCRIPTION OF FOREST RESOURCES ........................................................................ 13
1.3.1 Stocking of the forest ................................................................................................ 13
1.3.2 Non-wood forest products ........................................................................................ 13 1.3.3 Forest infrastructure and equipment ......................................................................... 16
1.3.4 Human resources ...................................................................................................... 19
1.3.5 History of the forest................................................................................................... 20
1.4 THREATS AND CONSTRAINTS ....................................................................................... 21
1.4.1 Threats ..................................................................................................................... 21
1.4.2 Management Constraints .......................................................................................... 22
1.5 VALUES OF MALAVA FOREST ....................................................................................... 22
CHAPTER 2.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION .................................................................... 24
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ADJACENT COMMUNITIES ........................................................ 24
2.2 DESCRIPTION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES ................................................................... 25 2.3 COOKING ENERGY CONSUMPTION ............................................................................. 28
2.4 COMMUNITY UTILIZATION OF FOREST PRODUCT ....................................................... 29
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2.5 WATER AND SANITATION ............................................................................................. 30
2.6 WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KFS AND MALAVA COMMUNITY ........................ 31 2.7 TREE PLANTING IN MALAVA......................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER 3.0 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS .................................................................................. 33
CHAPTER 4.0 MANAGEMENT VISION, OBJECTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS ......................... 36
4.1 VISION FOR MALAVA FOREST ...................................................................................... 36
4.2 OVERALL OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................... 36 4.3 PLAN CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................... 36
4.3.1 Policies and legal framework .................................................................................... 36 4.3.2 Linkages with relevant existing planning documents ................................................ 43
4.3.3 Linkage with regional and international agreements and conventions ...................... 44
4.4 FOREST MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION ZONATION ................................................ 45
CHAPTER 5.0 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES ......................................................................... 49
5.1 RESOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAMME ....................................................................... 49
5.1.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 49
5.1.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 49
5.1.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 50
5.2 FOREST CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME ................................... 53
5.2.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 53
5.2.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 53
5.2.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 54
5.3 PRODUCTION PROGRAMME ......................................................................................... 56
5.3.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 56
5.3.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 56 5.3.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 56
5.4 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMME .............................. 57
5.4.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 57
5.4.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 58 5.4.3 Programme Objectives ............................................................................................. 58
5.5 INFRASTRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM61
5.5.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 61
5.5.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 61 5.5.3 Programme objectives.............................................................................................. 61
5.6 PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKING PROGRAMME ....................................................... 64
5.6.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 64
5.6.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 64
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5.6.3 Programme objectives.............................................................................................. 64
5.7 RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROGRAMME .............................................................. 65
5.7.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 65 5.7.2 Management Challenges .......................................................................................... 65
5.7.3 Programme objectives.............................................................................................. 66
CHAPTER 6.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................... 69
6.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 69 6.2 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES ............................................................................................... 69
6.2.1 Gender mainstreaming ............................................................................................. 69
6.2.2 Reproductive Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS ........................................................... 69
6.2.3 Marginalized groups................................................................................................. 70 6.2.4 Indigenous Knowledge ............................................................................................. 70
6.3 RESOURCE MOBILIZATION ........................................................................................... 70 6.4 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ................................. 70
CHAPTER 7 PLAN MONITORING AND EVALUATION ............................................................... 72
7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 72
7.2 MONITORING ................................................................................................................ 72 7.3 MONITORING INDICATORS (BIOPHYSICAL AND COMMUNITY BASED INDICATORS) .. 72
7.4 DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS................................................................. 72
7.5 RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 72 7.6 MONITORING PLAN ...................................................................................................... 73
7.7 EVALUATION ................................................................................................................ 73
7.8 REVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 73
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 77 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................... 79
Appendix 1: List of Forest Tree Species of Malava ............................................................... 79 Appendix 2: List of Malava Forest Mammals ........................................................................ 80
Appendix 3: Reptiles of Malava Forest ................................................................................ 80
Appendix 4: List of Forest Bird Species of Malava ............................................................... 81 Appendix 5: List of participants in the Plan Development .................................................... 84
Appendix 6: Characteristics of well-being status as perceived by Malava community ........ 90
Appendix 7: Malava Forest Plantation Data Sheet updated September 2015 ....................... 91
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1a: Community Sensitization meeting at Malava Forest Station ................................ 3 Figure 1.1b: Malava LPT members during training on Socio-economic and Biodiversity
survey ................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 1.1c: LPT members identify and map forest resources ............................................... 4 Figure 1.2: Malava CFA structure .......................................................................................... 5
Figure 1.3: Location map of Malava Forest ............................................................................ 6
Figure 1.4: Map of Kakamega Forest Ecosystem showing position of Malava Forest .............. 7 Figure 1.5: Climate graph for Malava Forest ......................................................................... 8
Figure 1.6: Google map showing transects in Malava forest biodiversity survey ................. 10 Figure 1.7: Plate on Malava primary forest .......................................................................... 11
Figure.1.8: Plate on Olive baboon in Malava forest ............................................................. 12
Figure 1.9: Map of Malava Forest showing plantation areas ................................................. 14 Figure 1.10: Beekeeping project by Malava CFA ................................................................ 15
Figure 1.11a: Malava forest station office block ................................................................... 18
Figure 1.11b: Plate on CFA receiving motorbike procured through GEF/UNDP project ..... 19 Figure 1.11c: Plate on Malava CFA Chairman receiving office furniture from Nature Kenya 19
Figure 1.11d: Plate on tree nursery at Malava Forest Station ............................................... 19
Figure 1.12: Plate on elders give out history of Malava forest .............................................. 21 Figure 2.1: Level of education of household heads .............................................................. 25
Figure 2.2: The material used for roofing houses in Malava ................................................. 25
Figure 2.3: Occupational characteristics of Malava community ........................................... 26 Figure 2.4: Having a plot for cultivation in the forest ........................................................... 26
Figure 2.5: Frequency of visiting the forest by forest adjacent community in Malava .......... 27
Figure 2.6: Frequency of visiting the forest by well-being categories ................................. 28 Figure 2.7: Likely benefits mentioned by people who have never visited Malava forest ..... 28
Figure 2.8: Consumption of a bag of charcoal bag: a) Overall and b) by family size............ 29 Figure 2.9: Number of head-loads of firewood consumed per week in Malava ................... 29
Figure 2.10: Source of water for domestic use by wellbeing category ................................. 30
Figure 2.11: Main types of human waste disposal by well-being categories in Malava ........ 31 Figure 2.12: Impact of good relationship between community and KFS in Malava ............... 31
Figure 4.1: Plate on community sketching Malava Forest resources .................................... 45
Figure 4.2a: Malava Forest Resources Sketch Map .............................................................. 47 Figure 4.2b: Zonation map of Malava Forest ........................................................................ 48
Figure 5.1: One of the giant Olea capensis trees in Malava forest ........................................ 50
Figure 5.2: Baboon with its young one crossing road in Malava forest ................................. 51 Figure 5.3: Disturbed site in Malava forest .......................................................................... 51
Figure 5.4: CFA Chairman addressing partners & CFA members at rehabilitated site ........ 54
Figure 5.5: Plate on enrichment planting in Malava Forest .................................................. 54 Figure 5.6: Malava Tree Nursery with seedlings for plantation establishment ..................... 56
Figure 5.7: Plate on on-farm tree farming in Malava ............................................................ 58 Figure 5.8: Plate on improved cook stove ........................................................................... 59
Figure 5.9: Plate on Malava CFA Office ............................................................................... 63
Figure 5.10: Malava forest ranger in joint patrol with community forest scouts .................... 63 Figure 5.11: Team carrying out biodiversity survey in Malava forest .................................. 68
Figure 5.12: KEMRI/KWS team conducting research on olive baboons in Malava Forest ..... 68
Figure 6.1: Institutional arrangements for Malava PFMP implementation ............................ 71
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: Road in Malava forest and their conditions .......................................................... 17 Table 1.2: The current and proposed Human resource establishment in Malava F. Station .. 20
Table 1.3: Summary of the management constraints ............................................................ 22
Table 2.1: Population in Forest Adjacent Communities ........................................................ 24 Table 2.2: Livestock owned by the respondents .................................................................. 27
Table 2.4: The wood and non-wood products accessed by the Malava forest community
members ............................................................................................................................ 30 Table 3.1 Stakeholders indicating their roles and responsibilities ...................................... 33
Table 4.1 Criteria for zonation ............................................................................................. 46 Table 5.1: Management interventions on Resource Protection Programme ......................... 52
Table 5.2: Management interventions on Forest Conservation and Rehabilitation program 55
Table 5.3: Management interventions on production programme ....................................... 57 Table 5.4: Management Interventions on community participation and intervention ........... 59
Table 5.5: Management interventions on Infrastructure, Equipment and Human Resources
Development Programme ................................................................................................... 61 Table 5.6: Management interventions on partnership and networking programme ............ 64
Table 5.7: Management interventions on research and monitoring programme .................. 66
Table 7.1 Malava PFMP Monitoring Matrix .......................................................................... 74
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ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS
BIOTA Biodiversity Transect Analysis and Monitoring
M-PFMP Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CBO Community Based Organization
CDF Constituency Development Fund
CFA Community Forest Station
EMCA Environmental Management and Coordination Act
FAC Forest Adjacent Community
GEF Global Environment Facility
GoK Government of Kenya
HIV Human Immune Virus
IBA Important Bird Area
IGA Income Generating Activity
KEFRI Kenya Forestry Research Institute
KERRA Kenya Rural Roads Authority
KFS Kenya Forest Service
KIFCON Kenya Indigenous Forest Conservation
KWS Kenya Wildlife Service
MoALF Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
NBE Nature based Enterprise
NGOS Non-Governmental Organizations
NMK National Museums of Kenya
NWFP Non Wood Forest Products
PELIS Plantation Establishment and Livelihoods Improvement Scheme
PFM Participatory Forest Management
PFMP Participatory Forest Management Plan
SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
WRMA Water Resource Management Authority
WRUA Water Resource Users Association
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
CHAPTER 1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
1.1.1 Name of the Management Plan
The name of the management plan shall be Malava Participatory Forest
Management Plan (M-PFMP).
1.1.2 Period/Term of the Management Plan
Upon approval of the plan and signing of the Forest Management Agreement, it shall
be implemented for a period of Five (5) years (2015 2019).
1.1.3 Legal Authority for Preparation of the Plan
Section 35 (1) of the Forests Act 2005 provides that every state, local authority and
provisional forest shall be managed in accordance with a plan that complies with the
requirement prescribed under the rules made under the Act. Being a state forest,
Malava forest is required to comply with this clause. The Forests (Participation in
Sustainable Forest Management) Rules, 2009 gives the guidelines for preparation of
the plans.
1.1.4 Justification of the MPFMP
Malava forest plays a significant role in the livelihoods of the majority of the
community members adjacent to this forest and beyond hence their need to
participate in its management and conservation.
Section 46 of the Forests Act 2005 provides for registration of a community forest
association under the Societies Act (Cap 108) and that it may apply to the Director of
KFS for permission to participate in the management and conservation of a state
owned forest. The Forests Act requires the application to be accompanied by a
management plan or a draft management plan, hence the need to develop this
MPFMP.
1.1.5 Purpose of the PFMP
The Forest Management Plan is a requirement for Malava CFA to meet the
conditions stipulated in Section 46 of the Forests Act 2005 for signing Forest
Management Agreement with Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Besides, the plan will
give guidelines for preparation and implementation of annual work plans and
budgets for proper management of Malava forest in a participatory manner.
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
1.1.6 Approach to Development of the Plan
The process of developing the Malava PFMP was participatory and involved a
number of key stakeholders. These include the forest adjacent community, through
the Malava CFA, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, NEMA, Nature
Kenya, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Water Resource Management Authority
(WRMA), Ministry of Devolution and Planning and County Government of
Kakamega. Members of the CFA were inducted through two trainings on the PFM
processes in 2014.
Community members were mobilized through barazas by the Interior and National
Coordination Office on the need to have a management plan. Three village level
sensitization meetings on preparation of PFMP were held the month of January 2015
at various locations in Malava. These were at Malava forest station in Matioli
location, in Shitirira Village in Chimuche Location and the third at Bahai Centre of
Township Location.
Four day training for the local planning team and chief was conducted to engage in
data collection on forest resources in April 2015. Socio-economic surveys were
spearheaded by KEFRI assisted by community members as enumerators. Malava
CFA and the Village elders were involved in mapping of well-being/wealth ranking
of the forest adjacent community households. Biodiversity assessment of the forest
was done by officers from KFS and KWS assisted by community scouts in May 2015.
Both the biodiversity and socio-economic reports were presented to stakeholders in
a feedback workshop on 29th May 2015. A small team from the LPT together with the
secretariat convened a 3 day workshop in Kisumu to compile collected information
and prepare zero draft in July 2015. In August 2015 the LPT went through the zero
draft making, filling information gaps and prepared a first draft of the plan. The LPT
held a meeting to share the draft with the key stakeholders, Malava CFA members
and Forest adjacent community members for correction before proceeding further.
Another LPT meeting was organized to incorporate inputs of stakeholders. The
secretariat put u a firt draft which was shared again with stakeholders including the
KFS management plans office at the headquarters in September 2015.
With all comments incorporated, a final Malava PFMP draft was presented again to
stakeholders for validation and final inputs on 1st October 2015. The draft was then
sent for printin and approval by the Director of Kenya Forest Service.
The whole process of developing this management plan was supported by Nature
Kenya with funding from GEF/UNDP project. Some of the pictures taken during the
plan development are presented in figures 1.1a, b and c.
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 1.1a: Community Sensitization meeting at Malava Forest Station
Figure 1.1b: Malava LPT members during training on Socio-economic and Biodiversity survey
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 1.1c: LPT members identify and map forest resources
1.1.7 Funding for developing and implementing MPFMP
The preparation of the Malava Forest Participatory Management Plan was funded by
GEF/UNDP through Nature Kenya under the project Strengthening the Protected
Area Network within the Eastern Montane Forest Hotspots of Kenya.
The PFMP implementation will be funded by CFA, Kenya Forest Service, County
Government of Kakamega, development partners and other stakeholders. The
funding or support may be programme specific or may combine a number of them.
1.1.8: Structure of Malava CFA
Malava CFA has a structure in the form shown in figure 1.2, which enable adequate
members representation and ensures accountability in its functions.
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 1.2: Malava CFA structure
1.2 DESCRIPTION OF MALAVA FOREST
1.2.1 Geographical location of Malava Forest
Malava forest is in Central Kabras Division, Malava Sub-county (Kakamega North
District), Kakamega County. The forest borders Butali sub-location to the North
West, Mukavakava sub-location to the North East, Tande sub-location to the East,
Musingu sub-location to the South East, Isanjiro sub-location to the South and
Malanga sub-location to the South west.
The forest is situated approximately 25 Km North of Kakamega town along
Kakamega - Webuye road. It is positioned between the Latitudes 02654N and
02944N; and Longitudes 345015E and 345225E. The location map of the
forest is in figure 1.3.
CFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FOREST USER GROUPS AND
COMMUNITY FOREST SCOUTS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CFA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
CFA MEMBERS
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 1.3: Location map of Malava Forest
Source: KFS Survey section
Malava forest is part of the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem together with Kakamaga,
Kibiri, Bunyala and Kisere forests. Its position in the ecosystem map is as shown in
figure 1.4.
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 1.4: Map of Kakamega Forest Ecosystem showing position of Malava Forest
Source: BIOTA Atlas, 2010
1.2.2 The legal and administrative status of Malava Forest.
Malava forest is a state forest managed by Kenya Forest Service having been
gazetted under proclamation No.14 of 13th February 1933. It covers an area of 718.8
ha including an excision area of 4.5 ha for Malava Girls High School to the South
West of the forest. It is divided into three administrative beats namely Makhwabuye,
Shitirira and Fukoye for purposes of patrols by forest rangers.
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
The administration center of the forest is Malava forest station which is situated
about 200m to the left off the Malava-Webuye road at the edge of the forest. The
Forest Station Manager is in charge of all operations, management and
administrations of the forest. He reports to the Kakamega Ecosystem Conservator
who in-turn reports to the Head of Western Conservancy.
1.2.3 Physical and Physiological description of the Forest
The following are the physical and physiological characteristics of Malava forest.
1.2.3.1 Climate
Malava forest area has two rainy seasons. It receives an average annual rainfall of
about 2,000mm. The long rains normally come between the months of April to June
while the short rains come between the months of September to November (see
figure 1.5). This rainfall supports agricultural activities in the area almost throughout
the year.
The mean temperature is 20.40 C; with an average minimum of 140C while the mean
maximum of 280C. February is usually the hottest month while July is the coldest.
Figure 1.5: Climate graph for Malava
Source: http://en.climate-data.org/location/922/
1.2.3.2 Topography
Malava forest is slightly more elevated than the surrounding area. The forest slope
rises gently to the Eastwards with the highest part being just to the east of the
Kakamega Webuye road that passes through the forest. The lowest point is 1580m
and the highest is 1660m above sea level.
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1.2.3.3 Geology
The forest is characterized by the Nyanzian and Kavirondian rock formations which
are volcanic of Precambrian age. The main rock formations include laterite, granite,
rhyolite and metabasalt overlaying the basement system. The basalts are partially
intruded by diorite dykes to the North of the forest.
1.2.3.4 Soils
The soils in Malava are medium brown to reddish brown loamy soil that that is
slightly clayey and can moderately support agricultural activities. Closer to the
forest the soils are dark brown loamy due to decomposing organic material derived
from the forest vegetation. The soils have low PH (high acidity).
1.2.3.4 Hydrology
The forest is generally on a higher altitude than the surrounding lands and is nearly
dome shaped resulting in the area having a nearly radial drainage pattern. Several
streams originate or pass through the forest to pour their water into River Nzoia on
its way to Lake Victoria.
Tande and Makwabuye streams exit forest to the West and join up to form
Nambirima River. Several tributaries of Lusumu River originate just outside of the
forest to the South West while Matiti (Lugusi) River exits to the North.
1.2.4 Biodiversity of Malava Forest
Malava forest is one of the patches of Kakamega Forest Ecosystem. The Ecosystem
whose origin is the Guinea Congolian rain forest is home to many species that are
related to the Central and West African flora and fauna. It has several endemic
species of animals and plants that are of importance globally, i.e, threatened,
endangered or endemic (Althof 2005). Biodiversity of Malava forest is closely
related to that of the larger Kakamega forest both in species richness and
composition. However, species abundance is relatively low in Malava as compared
to the Kakamega forest.
A biodiversity survey was carried out in the forest for the purpose of this PFMP. The
transects used for data collection were in the positions indicated in the Figure 1.6.
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Figure 1.6: Google map showing transects in Malava forest biodiversity survey
1.2.4.1 The Flora of Malava Forest
The flora of Malava forest is characteristic of mixed young regenerating forest and
strands of plantation forest. The forest has high diversity of tree species. Originally
the forest was dominated by Olea capensis, Diospyros abyssinica, Maesopsis eminii
and Prunus africana which are a characteristic a primary forest. These are still
present although in only a small parts of the forest to the South West area adjacent to
Malava Girls, to the East of the Malava-Webuye road. These sites have very high
biodiversity and big trees; some well over 100 years, and is therefore a good
research and picnic sites. Their population, however, is not large enough to qualify
as primary forests and therefore require conservation measures.
In other sites the four dominant species are not abundant and have been replaced
by Antiaris toxicaria, Croton megalocarpus and Funtumia africana which are classified
as climax species in the early stages of succession, an indicator of past
disturbances.
The high abundance of fast growing species like Croton megalocarpus, Funtumia
africana, Polyscias fulva and Trilepisium madagascariense in most parts of its natural
forest is another evidence for the forest being a regenerating secondary forest
following previous disturbance.
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 1.7: Plate on Malava primary forest
The forest is home to threatened tree species, Elgon teak (Olea capensis) and Prunus
africana which are species of special conservation concern as they are prone to over
exploitation due to their high quality timber and medicinal value. Other key trees
species in the area include: Croton megalocarpus, Bridelia mycrantha, Trichilia roka,
Erythrina abyssinica, Prunus africana, Chrysophyllum albidum, Cordia africana,
Spathodea nilotica, Markhamia lutea, Maesopsis eminii, Polyscias fulva, Acacia
abyssinica, Vitex doniana, and Podocarpus spp. The list of tree species recorded and known in Malava Forest is in Appendix 1.
The natural forest is concentrated in the Compartment 2 (Makhwabuye beat) which
has the main primary forest and other secondary forest. Large part of this area is
dominated by Bischofia javanica which was planted but reverted to natural forest
due to high biodiversity. Currently forest plantation is mainly in compartment 1
(Shitirira beat) and 3 (Fukoye beat).
1.2.4.2 Description of the Fauna of Malava Forest
Malava forest being part of the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem is endowed with high
biodiversity of animals. It is therefore ideal for adventure because of the many
baboons and monkeys which are always seen crossing the road.
Mammals
Malava forest has high diversity of primates, with monkeys and baboons being the
most conspicuous group of mammals in the forest. The Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
mitis stuhlmanni), the Red-tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti), and the
Black-and-white Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza) are the most common. Olive
baboon (Papio cynocephalus anubis) are also present in the forest and are well
known as pests in the farms adjacent to the forest and are a common scene along the
Kakamega Webuye highway, plucking and chewing sugarcane on transit to West
Kenya and Butali sugar companies. Pottos (Perodicticus potto ibeanus), although
probably fairly common and widespread, are nocturnal and much harder to detect.
The other mammals that are not commonly observed but are present include the
two species of duikers Red Duiker and Blue Duiker, Squirrel, hare, mongoose,
bushbuck, porcupine and wild pig. Appendix 2 shows the list of these animals with
both local and common names.
Reptiles
The Malava Forest is said to harbor a unique assemblage of snake species many of
them of West African origin due to its proximity to Kakamega forest. They include
Green Mamba, Jamesons Mamba, Forest Cobra, Prickly Bush Viper, Gaboon Viper,
Rhinoceros Viper and Puff Adder. The forest also has multi-scaled Forest Lizard
among other reptiles. Refer to appendix 3 for details.
Birds
The forest has a close association to the Equatorial Rainforest of Kakamega which is
home to the globally endangered Chapins Flycatcher and Turners Eremomela but
these have not been recorded in Malava forest. However, some regionally
threatened species include: Brown-chested Alethe, Red-tailed Bristlebill, White-
tailed Ant Thrush, Equatorial Akalat, Grey-winged Robin, African Thrush, Yellow-
spotted Barbet, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Least Honey-guide, Brown-
chested Illadopsis, Cassins Honeybird, Ross's Turaco, Senegal Coucal and Cardinal
Wood-pecker. Refer to appendix 4 for a full list of birds of Malava forest.
Fig.1.8: Plate on Olive baboon in Malava forest
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Most of the bird species are found in mixed indigenous tree species. Most of these
bird species are crucial for the forest ecosystem as most tree species depend on
them for pollination and seed dispersal, most notably the Black-and-white-casqued
Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus). It was noted that in disturbed habitats remnant
fruiting trees generally attract frugivorous birds which are important seed-dispersal
agents thus help to maintain ecological processes in these degraded habitats.
Invertebrates
Being that the conditions in this forest are similar to the adjacent Kakamega
rainforest, the number of insect species is probably in the tens of thousands. Several
species of insects including butterflies, moths, termites, dragonflies, etc have been
observed but have not been studied and described. Goliath Beetle, one of the
largest beetles in the world has also been observed in the forest. These
invertebrates have various importance to the forest ecosystem and the surrounding
farmlands in among others pollination and decomposition.
1.3 DESCRIPTION OF FOREST RESOURCES
1.3.1 Stocking of the forest
Malava forest being part of the larger Kakamega forest Ecosystem was originally a
natural forest mainly composed of high indigenous trees species like Olea capensis,
Diospyros abyssinica, Maesopsis eminii and Prunus africana. However, deforestation
and pressures on the forest land resulted in clearing of the natural vegetation on
large parts of the forest and replanting with exotic commercial tree species,
Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula, Eucalyptus saligna and Bischofia javanica. A
comprehensive survey on stocking of the natural vegetation has not been done. The
distribution of plantation forest is as shown in Figure 1.9 and the stocking is
presented in Appendix 7.
1.3.2 Non-wood forest products
The main non-wood forest products found in Malava forest include:
Honey- Beekeeping in Malava has been practiced from time immemorial. The
traditional beekeepers used simple hives often made from hollowed logs hives
which they placed up on trees, become. They harvest using fire, a method that risks
destroying the colony, lead to poor yield and low quality honey, besides being risk
to starting wild forest fires. However, some of the beekeepers in Malava have
adopted improved beehives Kenya top bar and langstroth hives (Figure 1.10) and
use of technology in honey harvesting. Within the forest there is an apiary site in
Makhwabuye beat. The demand for honey in the locality and other towns is ever
high for food and medicinal purposes therefore beekeeping is of high potential for
income generation.
Mondia whytei-: This climber plant is common in all forests in Kakamega forest
ecosystem. Its roots are consumed by chewing or powdered form in beverages for
its medicinal value, as appetizers and aphrodisiac. To address the rising demand,
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the plant is being domesticated and planted by many community members in their
farms.
Figure 1.9: Map of Malava Forest showing plantation areas
Mushrooms-: The community around Malava forest value mashrooms for their
nutritional value. They grow naturally in parts of the forest, notably near Fukoye and
Makwabuye beats, especially during the rainy season of March- April. People
collect for food at home and sell the excess in the nearby Malava town. Commercial
mushroom farming to satisfy the demand is also a potential area.
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Figure 1.10: Beekeeping project by Malava CFA
Termites-: The Luhya community is known for their preference to termites as
delicacy. The people living close to Malava forest value to forest for this purpose
due to numerous anthills within. The insects are most common during the short rainy
season of August upto November. People collect to eat at home and others sell in
town.
Herbal medicine-: The Malava communities use many of the tree and other shrub
and herbs species for medicinal purposes. Some of the most common species are
describe here:
Croton megalocarpus (Omusine) It takes 10 to 25 years to mature, may occur in
mixed farming systems, woodlots, boundaries and, agro forestry systems. The
seed contains up to 32% oils, which have been used favorably as medicine. Bark
is used as a remedy for worms and whooping cough.
Prunus africana (Mwisia)It is a valuable timber and medicinal tree has more
recently come under heavy pressure for wild harvest for timber and bark
extraction, as there is a fast growing market for the bark. Leaves and twigs
contain the same medicinal properties as the bark; so it can be harvested
sustainably while coppicing the tree in agroforestry systems. The active
ingredients in Prunus africana are effective treatment for prostate cancer
(enlarged prostate gland), ailments that affect about 60% of men over the age of
50. Traditional healers also use the bark in treatment of stomach ache and wound
dressing, infusion of leaves is used to improve appetite, treatment of both
bacterial and non-bacterial chronic prostesis and genital infection.
Trichilia emetica (Munyama) is used in traditional medicine to treat various
ailments such as abdominal pains, dermatitis, haemorrhoids, jaundice and chest
pain. This species also known as Natal Mahogany is used for its emetic, diuretic
and purgative properties and for induction of labour. The extensive traditional
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
use of this species has encouraged scientists to explore several biological
activities including anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antischistosomal,
antiplasmodial, anticonvulsant, antitrypanosomal, anti-oxidant, antitussive,
antimutagenic and hepatoprotective properties. Several limonoids have been
isolated from the stem bark.
Zanthoxylum gilletii (Shikhuma) - The species is used for medicine especially the
bark. The bark of stem and roots is commonly used as an analgesic, especially to
treat burns, rheumatism, headache, stomach-ache, toothache and pain after
childbirth. The bark is also taken against colic and fever and is considered to
have aphrodisiac properties. Bark decoctions are taken against urogenital
problems including kidney complaints and gonorrhoea, as a vermifuge and as
an enema against severe diarrhoea. The bark is applied externally to treat
cough, colds, skin complaints and smallpox. It is also used as fish poison and
arrow poison. The leaves are used to treat heart pains and snake bites.
Grass for livestock-: Some of the Forest Adjacent Communities depend on the forest
for grass for their livestock. Some graze their sheep and cattle in the designated
grazing areas eg. Makwabuye beat, while others cut and carry the grass from
Fukoye and Harambee areas. The communities are allowed to graze in open
unplanted areas and under mature plantations.
Sand and marrum harvesting-: These natural resources occur in parts of the forest
and the community can access to use in building and also sell to generate income.
Sand can be accessed along some streams and rivers e.g in Fukoye, while marrum
is usually excavated in parts of Fukoye and Muhoni area. Besides, a good soil for brick making is also accessed in Fukoye area.
Water-: The forest provides water catchment for various streams emanating and
passing through it. These provide water for industries, domestic, irrigation and
livestock consumption. There are livestock watering points at Makhwabuye along
Tande and Makwabuye streams. There are also various springs for water collection
and Lugusi spring in Harambee has high potential for water bottling.
Other minor forest products in Malava include soil for smearing mud walls, Clay for
pottery, palm leaves, fruit from trees, grass for thatching, forest soils, tree seeds.
1.3.3 Forest infrastructure and equipment
The infrastructure and equipment in Malava forest are as follows;
Roads-: the roads in Malava forest are fairly accessible although some area not
regularly maintained. The access roads that are under the jurisdiction of the County
government passing through the forest are usually well marrumed and therefore
accessible throughout the year. However, forest roads those are exclusively under
KFS usually in poor state due to non-maintenance. The roads in Malava forest and
their conditions are hereby listed in the Table 1.1
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Table 1.1: Road in Malava forest and their conditions
Road Length
(Km) Condition Authority
Malava Makwabuye 2.5 well marrumed County government
Malava- Fukoye 5 well marrumed County government
Tande- Fukoye 2 Poor/ needs culvert KFS
Muhoni- Harambee 2 Poor KFS
Duka moja- forest
station
0.2 Poor KFS
Malava girls forest
station
2.5 Proposed; along
forest boundary
KFS, County
government
Firefighting equipment-: Historically, incidences of fire outbreaks have been
relatively low and the few that occur occasionally happen during the dry spell
(December to February). More often than not, the outbreaks are associated with
those grazing in the forest and those collecting honey from trees in the forest (not
using modern methods of honey harvesting). The forest station, however, does not
have fire towers or firefighting equipment. During fire incidences, the members of
community are mobilized to assist fight the fire. Forest scouts and forest rangers are
responsible for surveillance are raising alarm in cases of outbreaks.
Vehicles and Machinery-: the forest station has no vehicle but only one
serviceable motorbike used by forest rangers for patrols. The CFA has one
motorbike donated by Nature Kenya through GEF/UNDP Project in 2012. These are
inadequate for the transport requirement in the station.
Buildings-: the station has inadequate housing for both offices and staff. It has only
one office block with 4 rooms and two residential houses for forest rangers. The
building are old and in need of renovation (Figure 1.11a). The forester, assistant,
some forest rangers and subordinate staff are not housed in the station due to
inadequate housing units.
Electricity-: the forest station is within the main electricity grid that serves Malava
town, market centers and the surrounding schools. The station however has not
been connected.
Communication-: Malava forest station is well served with the main mobile service
providers network although some parts of the forest do not receive good network
coverage. There is no infrastructure for radio communication hence forest rangers
use mobile/ cell phones for communication. There is need to avail radio gadgets for
forest rangers to use especially during patrols.
Water-: There is no connection to the main water supply. The stations tree nursery
uses a portable water pump used to pump water from a nearby stream and store in a
10,000 litres tank at the station.
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.
Equipment and Office furniture-: Furniture in the station office and require
replacement. There is no computer due to lack of electricity. The CFA has one
computer with accessories, office desk, chairs, cabinet at a rented office due to lack
of electricity in the station (Figures 1.11b and 1.11c).
Health facility-: The forest has no health facility within the forest station. The staff
members and their families go to Malava Sub-county hospital. The station needs
good sets of toilet faculties for both office and residents.
Tree nursery-: There are two tree nurseries in Malava forest station managed by
KFS and Malava CFA (Figure 1.12d). The tree nurseries need to be expanded to
produce more seedlings and act as training and demonstration sites.
Figure 1.11a: Malava forest station office block
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 1.11b: Plate on Malava CFA
receiving motorbike procured through GEF/UNDP project
Figure 1.11c: Plate on Malava CFA Chairman
receiving office furniture from Nature Kenya officer
Figure 1.11d: Plate on tree nursery at Malava Forest Station
1.3.4 Human resources
The current staff establishment is as shown in Table 1.2. The Forest Station Manager
and Kenya Forest Service rangers are trained in their area of operation that is forest
protection and management. The support staffs have also undergone basic training
on issues relating to their duties. However, refresher courses are highly
recommended. The Community forest scouts have received training sponsored by
GEF/UNDP and CDTF-CEF II funded projects but there is need to train eleven more
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and provide them with uniforms, gumboots and raincoats. More advanced training
in forest patrol is also needed.
Table 1.2: The current and proposed Human resource establishment in Malava
Forest Station
Designation Current
number
Proposed
number
Forest station manager 1 1
Assistant Forest Manager 1 1
KFS forest rangers 4 10
Support staff 5 10
Clerical officer 0 1
Driver 0 1
Store man 0 1
Community Scouts 7 18
There is need to increase the current staff numbers as indicated in the Table 1.2
above; most of the current staff requires further training in various aspects. There is
need to put emphasis on advancement in knowledge and skills by identifying the
individual skills required for continuous improvement and to provide opportunities
for the staff to strengthen the skills required.
There is need to improve the conditions at their work place by providing the best
tools, equipment and devices that enhance their efficiency and productivity. The
welfare and living conditions of the staff should also be improved.
1.3.5 History of the forest
The area was inhabited by the Kabras people, a sub-tribe of the Luhya community of
Western Kenya who settled there in the 1700s. They utilized the forest resources for
food, building materials and medicine with little restrictions save for individual
integrity and village elders.
The forest ecosystem was a habitat to enormous number of both plants and animals,
including; wild pigs (Luhya: tsimbitsi), Buffaloes (Luhya: tsimbogo), Baboons (Luhya:
Tsinguche), Leopards (Luhya: Ingwe), Black mambas (Luhya: naluru), Quail birds
(Luhya: isindu) etc., and many indigenous plant species like Elgon teak-Olea
capensis.
In 1914 a white missionary called Johnson (later nicknamed Shikanga by natives)
settled in the area from Kaimosi. In his tour of the forest he was mesmerized by the
unique clear view through the forest floor below the thick canopy. The locals
referred to this as Mwalava, a Luhya word loosely translated as clean/ clear
surface. Johnson Shikanga adopted that name for the forest, pronouncing it Malava.
He initiated road projects that transverse the forest.
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The forest resource was free for all until 1932 when it was delineated by the colonial
government who put up becons around the forest and restricted access by the
locals. The forest was gazetted and declared government property in full support of
Chief Mulupi Shitanda, but this did not go well with the majority of the locals leading
to some sneaking in to remove building poles at night. Serious forest destruction by
human activities such as the mass logging occurred between 1941 and 1948 when
indigenous trees such as elgon teak, fukoye, Trichilia metica (munyama), Diospyros
abbysinica (lusui) e.t.c. were cut and removed for various purposes.
At about 1949 the government embarked in reforestation programme with labour
from people ferried mainly from Central Kenya and lived in forest villages. They
established plantations of mainly Bischofia javonica. However, the programme was
interrupted due to MAU MAU movement as most of the labourers were taken back
between 1952 and 1953. Some however remained as squatters and settled in the
place named Wakamau adjacent to the forest to the East of the station.
There was a major forest fire in 1957 that destroyed sections of Makhwabuye,
Malanga and Fukoye. Later the forest suffered excision in the early 1980s for
construction of Malava Girls Secondary School and loss of quite significant number
of initially found biota.
1.4 THREATS AND CONSTRAINTS
1.4.1 Threats
Malava forest faces several threats to conservation and production efforts. These
include overgrazing and livestock destruction of planted trees, encroachment and
alteration of forest boundaries, illegal activities like charcoal burning, removal of
Figure 1.12: Plate on elders give out history of Malava forest
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
fire wood and trees for timber, population pressure leading to human- wildlife
conflicts.
1.4.2 Management Constraints
Some of the management constraints being witnessed in Malava forest include:
Inadequate personnel and training. There is need to recruit a driver, a clerical
officer and a storekeeper as well as additional community forest scouts. This
would help to address the problem of understaffing and role overlap. In addition
regular staff retraining would sharpen their skills and improve on service
delivery and enhance customer satisfaction.
Lack of necessary and appropriate building and equipment: the forest station
lacks adequate building and amenities to make the staff comfortable and efficient
at work. There is in no electric power to the station and the road network is in a
dilapidated state. There is no piped water system and there is heavy reliance on
rain water and water from streams/rivers.
Other constraints: the station lacks proper means of transport as there is no
vehicle. Sources of funding for income generating activities are limited leading
to over exploitation of forest resources by the neighbouring communities.
Table 1.3: Summary of the management constraints
Major constraints Minor constraints
Inadequate staff Inadequate incentives to community scouts
Inadequate of utility services e.g
housing, vehicles, water supply,
communication and electricity.
Inadequate training in forest
management
Inadequate rangers outpost Technologies such as lack of computer technology and Radio sets
Insufficient office space and furniture Lack of fire towers and firefighting equipment
1.5 VALUES OF MALAVA FOREST
The forest adjucent community attaches a number of values on the forest. These are
economic, cultural, social, religious/spiritual and moral.
Forest plantations are the main source for revenue generation for KFS and source of
timber for the community and round wood industrial development. The forest is
source of energy for the community. Noting that the majority of the sorrounding
community are poor, they primarily depend on fuel-wood from the forest for
heating, cooking and sometimes lighting. Some others collect extra fuelwood for
sale,hence the community view the forest as an important source of those products.
Grazing of animals. The forest has glades and mature plantation areas where
grazing of livestock is allowed. These are upto 40ha have been zoned for
communities to graze their animals and include area in Fukoye beat.
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The forest is also valued highly for its water catchment impotance. It is part of the
Lake Victoria basin as several streams orginate within or just close to the forest and
these provide the water for livestock, domestic use and irrigation by noth the local
community and beyond.
Malava forest is habitat to high number of plants and animals. These have various
importance, some of which have not been exhaustively studied hence not known.
The forest is therefore valued for ecotourism and scientific researches. The forest
has a research area of about 3ha established by ICRAF for progeny (provenance)
trials which is now managed by KEFRI. Leisure walks within the forest is common as
people take break from hustles of life to refresh in the forest.
The forest is used for spiritual purposes as people go to the forest to meditate and
connect to the super natural being in the peaceful atmosphere. Besides the local
Kabras people use it for various cultural rites.
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CHAPTER 2.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION
This section describes the social, economic and cultural characteristics of the
community adjacent and dependent on Malava forest. Amongst the community
socio-economic attributes captured include: household and family sizes, education
levels, employment status and types, average daily household expenditure,
average monthly income, main sources of income amongst other socio-economic
aspects of the community members. Dependence on the forest by the community
was also assessed together with other benefits associated with forest resources. All
these were assessed in relation to Malava forest.
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ADJACENT COMMUNITIES
The Luhya is the main ethnic group in Malava with the Kabras subtribe being
dominant in the area. The other sub-tribes in the area the Maragoli, Tachoni, Bukusu
and Isukha.
The forest adjacent areas have high population with a total of 17,594 people and
density of 572 in the six sub locations surrounding the forests. See table 2.1.
Table 2.1: Population in Forest Adjacent Communities
Sub-Location Population (No) Households
(No)
Density
(No/Km2)
Butali 3,647 756 397
Mukavakava 3,230 578 451
Tande 3,928 836 423
Musingu 2,530 490 460
Isanjiro 1,954 519 736
Malanga 2,305 487 966
Total 17,594 3,666 572
Source: Kenya National bureau of statistics 2009 census
Most of the people (over 50%) in Malava have an average land size of between 1-3
acres, however majority of the very rich have up to more than 8ac. Eighty one
percent (81%) are married while the rest are widowed (11%), divorced/separated
(1%) or single (7%). The literacy level is high with 74% of population having at least
standard 5 level of education (Figure 2.1).
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 2.1: Level of education of household heads
The Malava community categorized themselves in the four well-being categories
(very rich, rich, poor and very poor) based on the criteria shown in appendix 6. The
poor were sixty percent (60%), very poor (22%), rich (12%) and very rich (6%).
This implies that most of the community members are poor. The dominant roofing
material is corrugated iron sheet, grass-thatched houses were most common for
over 18% of the very poor and 12% of the poor (Figure 2.2).
Figure 2.2: The material used for roofing houses in Malava
2.2 DESCRIPTION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
In terms of occupation and livelihood characteristics (Figure 2.3), most community
members are subsistence farmers (75%); others are registered wage earners
(10%), casual workers (5%) and traders (4%). This is shown in Figure 2.3.
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Figure 2.3: Occupational characteristics of Malava community
About 61% of land in Malava is not registered under the name of the occupant and
most of this land 84% is inherited family land thus it is usually divided amongst
mainly sons of the household head. The main cash crop in Malava is sugarcane in
69% of the households whereas others are horticultural crops. The main subsistence
crops are maize and sweet potatoes. Other crops also used as subsistence include
beans, cassava, millet, yams, wheat, arrow roots and bananas. Among all well-being
categories, over 60% of the farms do not satisfy the family food demand for the
whole year. Most of the families supplement the deficit by buying from the market
(66%), market/leasing land (18%) and cultivating in the forest (10%).This implies
that the forest through PELIS plays an important role in food security to this
community.
The produce from the plot in forest were used for domestic use and for sale. For
those not having a plot to cultivate in the forest (Figure 2.4), it was noted that the
very rich hardly had a plot to cultivate while the poor and the very poor had the
larger shares. The main reasons given for not having a plot to cultivate in the forest
were lack of a plot, lack of money to rent that plot, lack of information and long
distance to the forest. In order to ensure the community participation in forest
management, deliberate efforts to involve them may be encouraged through CFA.
Figure 2.4: Having a plot for cultivation in the forest
The average number of various domestic animals in Malava is summarized in Table
2.2. The main reason for keeping cattle is milk production, income to the farmer and
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manure. Other reasons for keeping animals are for meat, cultural significance such
as marriage and ploughing. These animals are mainly grazed on-farm only (56%), in
the forest (17%), and along road reserves (9%). Over 61% of respondents had space for growing fodder for their animals. This area was between 1-12ac while
others plant on the terraces. The area allocated to fodder in most cases is small
because of competition for land for other uses particularly subsistence farming and
cash crops such as sugarcane. Fodder supply from the farms does not satisfy the
demand throughout the year except for 18% of the respondents. The season with
serious deficit was the dry season thus a need to store some fodder/silage in wet
season for use during this period. Beekeeping in Malava has low adoption as
reflected by the number of people having beehives.
Table 2.2: Livestock owned by the respondents
Livestock N Maximum Mean Std.
Deviation
Cattle 121 22 3.2 4.1
Goat 110 24 0.7 3.0
Sheep 112 6 0.3 1.0
Donkey 108 0 0 0
Poultry 123 100 8.6 11.2
Bees 109 6 0.2 1.0
Other 108 5 0.2 0.8
Current utilization of wood and non-wood forest products
Most of respondents (92%) in Malava live within 2km from the forest. About 62%
visit that forest weekly for various reasons (Figure 2.5). The very poor and the poor
visit the forest more frequently than any other category suggesting that they depend
on the forest more than other categories (Figure 2.6). Thus any forest intervention
introduced in that area should take their interest into consideration.
Figure 2.5: Frequency of visiting the forest by forest adjacent community in Malava
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 2.6: Frequency of visiting the forest by well-being categories
51% of those who had visited the forest indicated that the forest cover status had
increased while (43%) indicated that it had decreased. However, 46% indicated that
the increase in forest cover was due to protection while others indicated that the
forest cover had decreased due to encroachment, human settlement (44%) and
poaching (10%).
The people who had never visited the forest (64%) indicated that the benefits which
they may derive from the forest include water catchment, forest products, PELIS and
ecotourism (Figure 2.7).
Figure 2.7: Likely benefits mentioned by people who have never visited Malava forest
2.3 COOKING ENERGY CONSUMPTION
The main types of cooking fuel are firewood (74%) and charcoal (15%). Most of the
fuel wood used is produced on-farm (72%) whereas 28% comes from the forest.
One bag of charcoal is used for 1-2 weeks by 63% of the respondents. Family size
does not seem to have an effect in the time taken to consume a bag of charcoal
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
(Figure 2.8). The species preferred for firewood and charcoal are Eucalyptus spp,
Grevillea robusta and indigenous species.
a) b) Figure 2.8: Consumption of a bag of charcoal bag: a) Overall and b) by family size.
Majority of the population use firewood at the rate of 1-2 head-loads per week but
there are those use more 5 head-loads per week (Figure 2.9).
Figure 2.9: Number of head-loads of firewood consumed per week in Malava
The majority of community members are aware of the energy saving devices (62%);
however, only 38% have used an energy saving jiko in their homes. Among those
who have used these jikos; 53% (rich), 50% (very rich), 39% (poor) and 28% (very
poor) suggesting that the very rich and rich can easily adopt new technology
compared to other categories. The challenges of not using energy saving jikos were
noted as lack of information on jikos (36%), inefficiency of jikos (32%), its
ineffectiveness (22%), high price (5%) and hard to light (5%).
2.4 COMMUNITY UTILIZATION OF FOREST PRODUCT
The community members living around Malava forest depend a lot on a variety of
resources from the forest, both wood and non-wood products for food and income
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generation. The list of forest products commonly used by the Malava community is
in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4: The wood and non-wood products accessed by the Malava forest community members
Wood-products Non-wood products Services Firewood Honey Water Timber Mushrooms Carbon-sequestration Withes White ants (kumbe kumbe) Eco-tourism Farm hand-tools Herbal medicine Scenic/aesthetic value Building poles Grass for animals and thatching Soil conservation Fish Habitat for birds, reptiles and
primates
2.5 WATER AND SANITATION
The main sources of water are spring and borehole (Figure 2.10). The other sources
are stream, well, rain and piped water.
For human waste disposal, pit latrines were the most common type used; the use of
septic tank and main sewer was rare. Use of the bush as a means of human waste
disposal was recorded among the poor and very poor categories (Figure 2.11). This
calls for a deliberate effort to improve sanitation (of building latrines) among the
poor and very poor by the relevant department in Kakamega County.
Figure 2.10: Source of water for domestic use by wellbeing category
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Figure 2.11: Main types of human waste disposal by well-being categories in
Malava
2.6 WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KFS AND MALAVA COMMUNITY
82% of the community indicated that there is a good working relationship between
KFS and the community in Malava. The impact of this relationship is reflected on the
activities community undertook to promote environmental conservation such as
raising tree seedlings and plantation establishment (37%), assisting in fighting
forest fires and community policing by reporting those who participate in illegal
activities in the forest (25%) as shown in Figure 2.12.
Figure 2.12: Impact of good relationship between community and KFS in Malava
2.7 TREE PLANTING IN MALAVA
About 53% of respondents had planted trees in the forest within the last five years
and the tree species they planted included Markhamia lutea, Cupressus lusitanica,
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
Bischofia javanica, Zanthoxylum gillettii (Eshikhuma), Eucalyptus, Cordia africana and
Syzygium guineense (Emisemwa).
The most common trees on farms in Malava are Eucalyptus spp, Markhamia lutea,
Cupressus lusitanica, Grevillea robusta and Persea americana (Avocado). The
dominant fruits trees on farms are avocado, guava, pawpaw, mangoes and constitute
46% of the total fruit trees. The most common indigenous trees planted were
Markhamia lutea and Croton megalocarpus among others. The most widespread
exotic species in the area were Eucalyptus spp, Grevillea robusta and Cupressus
lusitanica. However, naturally regenerating species are Markhamia lutea, Psidium
guajava and Croton megalocarpus.
The main reasons for planting trees included firewood, charcoal and income (42%).
Fifty seven (57%) indicated that trees on their farms met their demand for various
products while 43% of the respondents, trees on their farms did not satisfy their
demand for various forest products hence got products from outside the farm.
Eighty nine percent (89%) of respondents have plans to plant more trees in their
farms, the tree species they intend to plant were Eucalyptus spp, Grevillea robusta,
Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula among others.
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Malava Participatory Forest Management Plan, 2015-2019
CHAPTER 3.0 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS
Stakeholders play various important roles in the management and utilization of
resources in Malava forest. The important stakeholders range from local groups,
government institutions, Non-governmental organizations, research institutions,
private companies and the county governments. The integration and good working
relationship of different stakeholders would ensure:
Resource ownership
Promotion of environmental accountability
Collective decision making
Sustained long-term resource management on sustainable basis
Strengthened social security, respected traditional user-rights and access
Table 3.1 Stakeholders indicating their roles and responsibilities
Stakeholder Category Roles and responsibilities Remarks
Kenya Forest
Service
Primary Forest management
Policy formulation,
Enforcement of the Forest Act
2005
Awareness and sensitization
Financing operations and
resource mobilization
Licensing of access and use of
forests
Monitoring and Evaluation
Ecotourism development in
the forest
Key implementer of the
PFMP with Community
Malava CFA Primary Forest Protection (through
community scouts)
Conflicts resolution
Raising seedling and tree
planting
Community mobilization
Resource mobilization
Sensitization and awareness
Manage IGAs (ecotourism
etc)
Key implementer of the PFMP in partnership
with KFS.
CFA to sign FMA with KFS
Kenya Wildlife
Service (KWS)
Primary Protection of wildlife
Human-wildlife conflicts
resolution
Enforcement of Wildlife
Conservation and
Management Act 2013
Wildlife enterprise licensing
Key stakeholder
County
government of
Kakamega
Primary Roads improvement and
maintenance
Cess collection
Infrastructure in intervention
Key stakeholder
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