An Assessment Of The Impact Of Farming Practices On The Diversity Of Indigenous Woody Tree Species In Kitutu Chache North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Farming practices world over have been known to have an impact on tree farming. This study was designed to assess the impact of farming practices on the diversity of indigenous woody tree species in Kitutu Chache North Sub-County, Kenya. Kitutu Chache North Sub-County has a population of 103,849 within an area of 123.90 square kilometers. The Sub-County has four Wards namely; Monyerero, Sensi, Marani and Mwamonari. The four Wards have a total of 13 Sub locations. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the perceived importance and value of indigenous woody tree species by households in farmlands, to establish the extent of diversity of indigenous woody tree species in farmlands, and to examine the extent to which indigenous woody tree species have been protected in farmlands. The study applied a descriptive survey design. The sample size was 310 households per a Sub location in farmlands. 5 Assistant Chiefs, 5 nursery tree owners and 2 Forest Officers were key informants for the study. The area of study was stratified into 4 Wards and then into 13 Sub locations. 5 Sub locations were randomly selected for the study. 31 households were randomly selected from each of the randomly selected Sub locations for study. An assistant Chief from each of the randomly selected Sub location was visited for key information. One tree nursery owner was randomly picked from each of the randomly selected Sub location to provide key information. One Forest Officer was visited for key information. Questionnaires, observation schedules, interview guides and documentation were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data which was presented in data tables, pi-charts and column graphs. Test-retest and piloting were carried out to determine the validity and reliability of the instruments. The study applied a mixed method of data analysis. Chi-square and Shannon Weiner’s Diversity Index analysis were used for quantitative data while Measures of central tendency, dispersion, variance and general discussion were used for qualitative data. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that there is substantial perceived importance and value of indigenous woody tree species to households in farmlands. It further revealed a low diversity of indigenous woody trees in farmlands. In addition, the study indicated that indigenous woody tree species have been protected to a negligible extent. From the study, it was recommended that household heads should embrace farming practices that conserve indigenous woody tree species. Secondly, tree nursery owners should raise seedlings of indigenous woody tree species to ensure household heads easily access them for planting. Thirdly, The County Forest Department should fully implement the ban on cutting of indigenous woody tree species in farmlands for their conservation. The researcher recommends further studies to be conducted to assess the impact of farming practices on the diversity of herbaceous tree species in farmlands; assess the impact of farming practices on the diversity of exotic tree species in farmlands, which was not a concern in this study