Impact of Community Based Natural Resource Management on Household Livelihoods in Samburu: Case of Nkoteiya Community Conservancy Project

Abstract

Effective management of community based conservancies (CBCs) is one of the common challenges affecting conservation projects in Kenya especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Currently, biodiversity conservation matters have been connected to Millennium Development Goals. This falls under Long and Medium Term plan as outlined in vision 2030 under Integrated Development Plans for community levels. However, mismanagement of conservation projects, lack of prior knowledge, politics, conflicts over natural resources have been a hindrance towards full achievement of conservation goals. The study focused on impact of community based natural resource management on household livelihoods in Samburu; case of Nkoteiya Community conservancy project. The research was guided by three objectives; to assess factors that has contributed to the establishment of community- based conservancies in Nkoteiya conservancy project, to examine the extent of community involvement in Nkoteiya community conservancy project and to assess the benefits of community from socio-economic activities of Nkoteiya conservancy project in Samburu County. The study adopted use of participatory theory on theoretical framework and Social capital model in approach to explain the variables on involvement of stakeholders particularly for participants of the community based projects. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was 1200 drawn from the conservancy management team and households from the region. Using Cohran sample size formulae, a sample size of 300 respondents were included in the study. Data analysis was done using (SPSS version 25).The study found that, 75 % of the livelihoods of the people involved in the projects have been impacted positively. The study identified that factors that were researched on establishment of CBNRM projects have contributed to 84.1% (r-0.841, p~.012). Successively, the level of involvement showed that the community have been well involved in the affairs of the conservancy evident from 24.8% (r-0.248, p~value 0.00) and the socio-economic benefits accrued had varied responses evident from means comparison (298) = -3.925, p = 0.001 and t (52.047) = -6.913, p = 0.001.  Therefore, the study recommends that the management of the conservancy to embrace the aspects of community conservancy through total involvement in the operations of the conservancy. The study also recommends coordination from all stakeholders' involved in the utilization and benefits of natural resources in the region.