Effect of Forest Logging on Socioeconomic Status of Households in South West Mau Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Extensive degradation of the Mau Forests Complex has been happening as a result of encroachment, excisions and illegal forest resources extraction. The degradation is a major threat to water resources, biodiversity and livelihoods of households surrounding the forest. Political interference, weak law enforcement, limited management capacities of mandated institutions, and inadequate governance systems have accounted in part for this wanton degradation. Considering the negative consequences albeit socioeconomic benefits, one of the objectives of this study was to examine the effects of forest logging on the socio-economic status of households in South West Mau Sub County. The results further revealed that logging affected households' health through pollution from the activities and loss of traditional medicinal trees. The households also lost property and other sources of livelihood due to logging of the Mau forest. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that Mau forest logging is still high in the study area as households depend on the forest for their energy supply in terms of charcoal and firewood, which is a common product obtained from the forest and used in households for cooking. The degradation of the forest by human and nature activities had affected their livelihood as they were now susceptible to flash flood, drought which brought a lot of loss in the family. Besides, conservation and sound management of the forests cannot be achieved by one agency alone. All forest conservation agencies including NEMA, KFS, KWS, KWTA, the Kenya Police Service and the Ministries of Interior must come together to formulate an interagency plan of action to enhance synergy, and highlight areas of collaboration and coordination.