University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Kevin Wafula Nyongesa
(2014):
Fire Management in Forests and National Parks of Kenya. Case studies at Kakamega, Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya forest and national park..
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Waldbau (WALDBAU),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 119.
UB BOKU
obvsg
- Abstract:
- Fire is a significant threat to the health of Kenya’s remaining indigenous forest and the viability of its forest plantations. Primarily due to human causes, fire destroys thousands of hectares of forest each year, with negative impacts on the forest ecosystem services. Historically, the Kenya Forest Service has led fire prevention and suppression efforts. This research seeks to identify: the root causes of fires in forests and national parks, the type of fire management practiced; human activities and the potential conflicts over the use of forests resources; the regional differences in fire management policies, strategic actions, plans, and actions and how they are implemented; the awareness by communities and other volunteer groups involved in firefighting about the role of educational programmes in fire management; and what the government and communities need to do in order to improve fire management in Kakamega, Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya forest and national park. Questionnaires were used to identify the perceptions of local communities regarding fire management. Data records and literature was used to obtain information on vegetation types, weather records, fire events and human activity in Kakamega, Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya forest and national park. The data was analyzed according to region, gender, education and occupation of respondents. The results indicate that community participation and improved communication of the people involved in fire management is important. The media has an important role to use local languages to provide information about fire danger to the public and likely impacts of forest fires on the communities and the environment. To effectively manage fires in Kenya, there is a need to involve communities in the formulation and implementation of fire management policies, strategic actions and plans. It is important to improve the capacities of fire institutions, provide trainings to communities and more funds for fire research programs. Reforms should be initiated with the help of international NGOs to improve the fire safety of the rural population and to sustain forest resources in Kenya.
- Beurteilende(r): Vacik Harald
- 1.Mitwirkender: Gratzer Georg