Influence Of Gender Mainstreaming On Implementation Of Forest Conservation In The Eastern Block Of Mau Forest Complex, Kenya

Abstract

Forest conservation is a global phenomenon that is practiced on a public and private basis. Public forest conservation is the most popular undertakings as a public good. Whereas forest conservation is assumed to be undertaken in the public interest, issues pertaining to gender mainstreaming tend to emerge in terms of gauging the success or failure of such proposals. This study investigated the influence of gender mainstreaming on implementation of forest conservation in the Eastern Block of Mau Forest Complex especially in reforestation; harvesting and general conservation of the forest. The study sought to establish the extent of integration of gender specific concerns in the implementation of forest conservation; evaluate the contribution of gender specific experiences in the implementation of forest conservation and; to analyze the challenges of gender mainstreaming in forest conservation in the Eastern Block of Mau forest Complex. The study employed descriptive research. The study was conducted in Mau forest complex- eastern block. The target population was 240 households. The sample size was 139 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussion. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; frequencies, percent, means and standard deviation for structured questions while the interviews and focus group discussion were summarized based on themes. The data was presented using tables and figures. Majority of the respondents agreed that indeed both genders were issued with permits to collect. Women were in agreement that they were the ones who were responsible for fetching water from the forest. Collecting of herbs was not only a both gender affair but it showed that both genders had adequate knowledge of the type of trees and their usage. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that they were allowed to use the forest for collecting of foodstuff. The study established that there was a gender imbalance in issuance of permit for timber harvesting from the forest and that there were major corruption issues surrounding issuance of permits to cut timber, whereby forest officials took advantage of their positions to do business. The study established that culture was a barrier to forest conservation. Considering that most of the respondents were male, it became clear that culture indeed was the biggest challenge in mainstreaming gender in conservation of forest. Through the interviews, female respondents pointed out clearly that their society often discriminate against them in public matters yet they were as knowledgeable as men. stakeholders must involve parties from both genders in any conservation activity now and even in the future. stakeholders should carry out sensitization and empowerment programs in order to bring on board all members of society.