Abstract: Poverty continues to cause livelihood challenges hence environmental problems among rural populations in semi and arid communities of developing countries. One of the understated impacts of livelihood activities on human wellbeing is their implication on deforestation. Nevertheless, most studies regarding poverty and the environment overlook implications of rural livelihood choices in marginal areas on the environment, and how organizations intervene to secure or enhance the problem. The purpose of this study is to investigate household livelihoods impact on deforestation in Kieni East and West sub counties of Nyeri County. This has become essential as rural populations are the hardest hit in terms of negative effects of livelihoods on the forests. The study adopted cross sectional research design, involving mixed method approaches to collect primary and secondary sources of data. The main source of quantitative data collection was household survey, while the qualitative aspect of data was gathered using semi structured interviews, participant observations, and desk reviews. An independent T-Test was carried out to test statistical significance at p<0.05 at the two sites. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to establish a 400 sample size in 10 sub locations. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was applied in the determination of impact of livelihood choices on deforestation. Based on the analysis, the linkage between livelihoods and deforestation was significant. Overall results show that deforestation is mainly caused by crop activities [B=0.232], followed by forest activities [B=.173], and off farm activities [B=.103]. The results also demonstrate that household livelihood activities impact on deforestation in The Aberdare Ranges in Kieni West was more than in Mt. Kenya Forest in in Kieni East. The study concludes with some recommendations for policy consideration.
Keywords: Poverty, Livelihoods, Livelihood choices, Deforestation, Household, Forest, Mt. Kenya, The Aberdare Ranges, Sustainable livelihoods, Kenya.
Title: The impact of livelihood choices on deforestation in Kieni Sub Counties, Kenya
Author: Fred K. Wamalwa, Dr. Florence Ondieki-Mwaura, Dr.Frederick O. Ayuke
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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