Abstract:
The practice of good forest governance has been associated with reductions in poverty
and community empowerment. This study assessed how the implementation of
transparency and participation promote forestry practices under the plantation
establishment for livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS) in the Mt. Elgon region. A
sample size of 288 members of the Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and forest
station managers drawn from three forest stations namely Saboti, Kimothon and
Kaberwa were selected for the study. Focused group discussions and interviews
administered through respondent assisted questionnaires were carried out to assess
how the implementation of transparency and participation affect participants in PELIS.
Local indicator variables were developed to assess transparency and participation. Chisquare tests of independence (α = 0.05) were performed to examine the relationship
between the local indicator variables among sites based on the hypotheses that there
were no significant differences in the implementation of transparency and participation
among the sites. The study found statistical significance in accessibility to necessary
information and decisions (p = 0.001) and involvement in decision-making processes (p
= 0.002). Electoral related vices, conflicts and minimal women representation in
executive committees undermines CFAs governance. The findings of this study
indicates that CFAs governance systems directly affect forest conditions. The study
generates information to support the formulation of policies and laws that can
strengthen governance systems to minimize developmental deficits among CFAs and
enhance socio-economic stability. Improved governance of CFAs will contribute in
implementing agroforestry programmes that promote sustainable forest management
in Kenya.
