Bio-economic conflicts in resource use and management: A Kenyan case study

Abstract

This paper discusses some of the findings of research conducted within the Aberdare (Nyandarua) Forest Reserve and National Park in Kenya, between 1972 and 1976 (MUIRURI 1977). The study area consists of two management and administrative sub-units: The Forest Reserve with an area of 103,086 hectares, and the National Park with an area of 767 km².

The major objective of the study was to examine the dynamic connections and interactions between man, his socio-economic systems and the functions of the Aberdare forested unit with its component resource subsystems. Specifically, the major assumptions were directed towards the search for a sound conceptual base upon which to pivot and direct rational management decisions for the Aberdare resource unit. The general research activity therefore revolved around critical evaluation and analysis of the various physical, bio-economic and human factors that should constitute the fundamental information sources for the utilization and management of the resources found within the study area (Fig 1).

The study explored the relations and interactions of two systems of interrelated phenomena. One is the economic system which determines the land use activity of government and other institutions, what they will produce, how they will produce it, and who will use or consume different parts of the product. The other is the ecosystem, consisting of the ecological relationships between the Aberdare area's resource sub-systems, their interactions and dynamics. The emphasis was on how components of the Aberdare economy and environment interact, and how the regulations and practices of institutions can and do affect these interactions through their causal relationships. It was found that the ecological/economic systems of the area have configurations whose different interrelated parts affect one another, and within which causes and effects, structures and functions can be traced. The conclusions arrived at underlined the basic fact that: ecosystems are affected by economic activities, while natural limits of the natural resources can ultimately disrupt economic systems. For the area in question, the characteristics and dynamics of its resource sub-systems seem to justify its description and analysis in ecosystem terms. However, due to superimposition of artificial administrative boundaries, the area cannot fully and optimally function as a self-contained and self-sustaining ecosystem. For its long-term survival therefore, it is required that man be further involved by undertaking its rational utilization and management guided by ecosystem principles. The study therefore recommended that a successful land use plan for the area must incorporate not only socio-economic criteria, but ecological ones as well. The former must be based on the limitations of the physical environment, while both ecological and economic criteria should be viewed in the light of constraints imposed by the human population. Further, the resource units of the Aberdare area will be inefficiently utilized if the policies and activities of the institutions involved are not organized, harmonized and co-ordinated in accordance with the dynamics of the ecological, economic and social environment.

In concluding, the study emphasized the critical and urgent need for the adoption of an integrated systems approach for the utilization and management of the area.