David Langat|Elias K. Maranga|A. A. Aboud|Joshua K. Cheboiwo
Role of Forest Resources to Local Livelihoods: The Case of East Mau Forest Ecosystem, Kenya
Kenya Forestry Research Institute|Egerton University|Egerton University|Kenya Forestry Research Institute
forests kenya threatened unsustainable uses conversion alternative land uses spite consequences forest degradation biodiversity loss reliance communities forests livelihoods little empirical data role forest resources livelihoods local communities socioeconomic demographic forest use data obtained interviewing 367 households forest product market survey undertaken determine prices various forest products valuation forest use forest income significant households contributing 33 total household income fuel wood contributed 50 food 27 construction material 18 fodder thatching material 5 household forest income absolute forest income relative forest income significantly different across study locations ethnic groups however absolute forest income relative forest income significantly different among wealth classes poor households dependent forests resources however absolute terms rich households derived higher forest income results provide valuable information role forest resources livelihoods could applied developing forest conservation policies enhanced ecosystem services livelihoods