The impact of grazing ban on the state of masaita forest, Uasin Gishu county, Kenya

Abstract

The study was to investigate the impact of grazing ban on the state of’ masaita forest with an inclusive social aspect. and come up with solution to overcome any realized problem. the main objective was to find out the impact of grazing ban on the state of the Masaita forest in Uasin Gishu county. south rift Kenya. The methods used for data collection involved both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Questionnaires alongside face to face interviews were the tools used. The findings indicated that the state of masaita forest has improved with time due to the restriction of the use of forest resources from the forest adjacent communities. there is 80% of seedlings survival due to the well-timed planting and adequate spot weeding without forgetting the absence of grazers. The researcher noted that there was a decrease in the livelihood of these forest adjacent communities due to the strict prohibition of forest resource use. Livestock kept in these communities was reducing with time: as well as production leading to poverty. ‘lie researcher’s fears was that if the strict restriction of the use of masaita forest resource continues, there will be a extreme reduction in people’s livelihood which may result into war against the KFS thus people forcefully encroaching on the forest resource and degrading even more. In order to overcome this researcher suggested some recommendations: The government must. come up with forest conservation laws that consider the well being of’ the forest adjacent communities. It must find alternatives to forest resources that the community can use as well as education. Kenya Government must invest in people by expanding access to funds. the neediest and providing for working poor. those unable to work and special vulnerable and targeting marginalized groups