Effect of Participation in Commercial Production of Medicinal Plants through Community-Based Conservation Groups on Farm Income at Kakamega Forest, Kenya

Nyangau, Paul; Muriithi, Beatrice; Marubu, Rose; Bwire, John Peter; Onyimbo, Nixon; Irungu, Janet

doi:10.1080/10549811.2019.1689145

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…It is the only surviving tropical rainforest in the country and last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the African continent [ 14 ]. The forest receives an average rainfall of approximately 2000 mm annually, and the temperature are constant throughout the year, with mean daily minimum and maximum of 11 °C and 26 °C respectively [ 15 ]. The Kakamega forest is located at approximately 1600 m above sea level.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Even though the forest represents a highly valuable source of food, wooden materials and herbal medicine for local communities, its area has been halved over the past few years because of unsustainable pressure on resources and a lack of environmentally-friendly and sustainable alternatives for local community income generation [ 15 ]. To overcome this situation, the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology ( icipe , Nairobi, Kenya), started working with local communities one decade ago to find ways to replace exploitative and destructive harvesting methods with well-designed hives and suitable stingless bee beekeeping management practices [ 17 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Traditional ecological knowledge and non-food uses of stingless bee honey in Kenya’s last pocket of tropical rainforest

Héger,

Noiset,

Nkoba

et al. 2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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Background Stingless bee honey (SBH) is a natural remedy and therapeutic agent traditionally used by local communities across the (sub-)tropics. Forest SBH represents a prime non-timber forest product (NTFP) with a potential to revitalize indigenous foodways and to generate income in rural areas, yet it is also used in a variety of non-food contexts that are poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa and that collectively represent a significant part of the local traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) passed on across generations. Documenting TEK of local communities in African tropical forests facing global change is a pressing issue to recognize the value of their insights, to evaluate their sustainability, to determine how they contribute to enhancing conservation efforts, and how TEK generally contributes to the well-being of both the natural environment and the communities that rely on it. This is particularly important to achieve in Kenya’s only tropical rainforest at Kakamega where SBH production and non-food uses have evolved and diversified to a remarkable extent. Methods We used ethnographic techniques and methods, including semi-structured questionnaires and recorded interviews. We used snowball sampling, a non-probability sampling method where new interviewees were recruited by other respondents, to collectively form a sample consisting of 36 interviewees (including only one woman). Results Our results indicate that local communities in Kakamega were able to discriminate between six different and scientifically recognized stingless bee species, and they provided detailed accounts on the species-specific non-food uses of these SBH. Collectively, we recorded an array of 26 different non-food uses that are all passed on orally across generations in the Kakamega community. Conclusion Our results uncover the vast and hitherto unexpected diversity of TEK associated with SBH and pave the way for a systematic survey of SBH and their non-food uses across a network of communities in different environments and with different cultural backgrounds in the Afrotropics. This, along with parallel and more in-depth investigations into honey chemistry, will help develop a comprehensive understanding of SBH, offering insights into holistic ecosystem management, resilience and adaptation while in the mid- to long-term promoting cross-cultural exchanges and pathways for the revitalization of cultural practices and traditions.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Traditional ecological knowledge and non-food uses of stingless bee honey in Kenya’s last pocket of tropical rainforest

Héger,

Noiset,

Nkoba

et al. 2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Open discussion and negotiation can assist in mapping boundaries more accurately and fairly, taking into account the claims and traditional practices of the local community. Moreover, joint efforts in natural resource management involving active participation from the community can promote the conservation of forest areas while respecting the traditional rights of the community (Nyang'au et al, 2020). This solution not only addresses forest encroachment but also aids in strengthening the relationship between the government and the community, building trust, and creating more sustainable and inclusive natural resource management.…”

Section: Boundary Disputesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Responsibility of Natural Resources Conservation Center in Preventing Encroachment of Conservation Forest Areas in East Nusa Tenggara

Mau,

Naatonis

2024

AIJIH

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This research aims to examine the relationship between the increase in encroachment on conservation forests and the classification of forests based on their ownership status, as well as assess the East Nusa Tenggara BBKSDA's responsibility in addressing conservation forest encroachment. This research uses an empirical legal research method. All collected data is then qualitatively analyzed to describe the problem and answer the research objectives. The results show that land ownership claims, boundary disputes, and a lack of community understanding regarding conservation forest status are the primary causes of encroachment. Although the East Nusa Tenggara BBKSDA has taken various proactive steps to address conservation forest encroachment, the issue has not yet been fundamentally resolved. Therefore, it is recommended that the Local Government and East Nusa Tenggara BBKSDA take concrete measures to tackle the ambiguity of land ownership status, which is one of the root problems of conservation forest encroachment. These measures could begin with reviewing and updating data related to land boundaries and ownership status, followed by mediation between the government and the community to resolve border disputes fairly and transparently. Furthermore, it is essential for traditional institutions and local communities to actively participate in this process actively, utilizing local knowledge and traditions in determining fair and mutually recognized land boundaries. The Local Government and BBKSDA must also enhance efforts to socialize and educate the community about the importance of conservation forests, including the long-term benefits of forest conservation for environmental sustainability and the local economy. These efforts should be carried out through effective communication appropriate to the local cultural context so that the community can accept and value the importance of conservation forests.

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Harmonizing Traditional Knowledge with Environmental Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for the Conservation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants (IMPs) and Their Implications for Economic Well-Being

Mbelebele,

Mdoda,

Ntlanga

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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The coexistence of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation presents a critical nexus in advancing sustainable development efforts, particularly concerning the conservation of indigenous medicinal plants. These plants play a dual role: they are essential components of traditional healing practices and are integral to economic stability, food security, and nutrition in communities worldwide. However, the rapid depletion of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation threaten the availability and sustainability of these vital resources. Despite their cultural and economic importance, there is a noticeable gap in the research addressing the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, particularly focusing on the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. The existing literature often lacks comprehensive studies that document traditional knowledge practices related to medicinal plant conservation. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how the mismanagement of medicinal plant resources impacts the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers who heavily rely on these plants for economic gains and food security. Hence, this study sought to explore and investigate the harmonious strategies that integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern conservation practices to safeguard indigenous medicinal plants on economic well-being in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in 2023, and a structured questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders (smallholder medicinal plant farmers). A multi-stratified sampling technique was used to draw up an appropriate sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and propensity-score matching were used for analysis. The study results indicated that the women farmers who are 44 years of average age and have 10 years of average schooling duration participate more in the production of indigenous medicinal plants. The average farm size per household is 1 ha, and it is reliant on an average of five members per household. The participation of women with indigenous medicinal plants underscores the significant role of women in traditional knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to household income and community resilience. Additionally, the findings indicated that smallholder farmers are only aware of keeping indigenous medicinal plants by producing them in protected areas and on-farm conservation; other measures appear challenging to them. The study results reveal that knowledge of seed propagation, lack of knowledge of the implications of endangerment, the removal of forests with the motive of building houses, and, lastly, financial support were the constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Empirical results on the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants revealed that farmers are generating income to sustain the household as well as enhancing food and nutrition security. Based on the study results, it is recommended that government entities and policymakers are urged to prioritize supporting traditional knowledge, implement on-farm conservation, and foster sustainable agricultural practices to ensure biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Enhancing targeted support for smallholder farmers, including access to land, agricultural services, and financial aid, alongside market development, ensures equitable benefits and sustainable livelihoods. Educational campaigns should raise awareness about indigenous medicinal plants’ ecological and economic importance, integrating traditional knowledge into formal education.

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Effect of Participation in Commercial Production of Medicinal Plants through Community-Based Conservation Groups on Farm Income at Kakamega Forest, Kenya

Cited by 3 publications

References 36 publications

Traditional ecological knowledge and non-food uses of stingless bee honey in Kenya’s last pocket of tropical rainforest

Traditional ecological knowledge and non-food uses of stingless bee honey in Kenya’s last pocket of tropical rainforest

The Responsibility of Natural Resources Conservation Center in Preventing Encroachment of Conservation Forest Areas in East Nusa Tenggara

Harmonizing Traditional Knowledge with Environmental Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for the Conservation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants (IMPs) and Their Implications for Economic Well-Being

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