Forests, adjacent communities and formal and non formal institutions interactions and their impacts on forest condition: the case of Kedowa block, West Mau forest

Southwest Mau forest is one of the remaining natural forests in Kenya. This forest complex plays a significant role in water catchment feeding the major rivers and streams that make up the hydrological systems of Lake Victoria. In addition, it is a reservoir of unique biological diversity. However, the Mau forest Complex has been under constant pressure by adjacent communities and emigrants from other areas who have settled. The new settlers are clearing land for subsistence agriculture, removing remnants of the forest and opening up new forest areas through non resident cultivation. These activities are jeopardizing the integrity of this forest to provide the essential role of regulating the flow of water to Lake Victoria, thus affecting downstream areas. This forest contributes directly and indirectly to the livelihood of the local forest adjacent communities.