Uses, Threats and Conservation of Plant Species in Kisere Catchment Area of Kakamega Forest, Kenya

Tropical rainforests are under threat from human encouragement and anthropogenic activities in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the importance of tropical rainforests, anthropogenic activities are changing vegetation dynamics of tropical rainforests such as Kakamega forest. The aim of the study was to determine the most exploited tree species in Kisere Forest by the local communities and their uses; to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on plant species in Kisere Forest, to evaluate the contribution of Village Economic Enterprises on conservation of Kisere Forest. To determine the most targeted tree species by the local communities and their uses, semi-structured questionnaires were used and ethno-botanical survey was conducted. The Impact of Village Enterprise funded microenterprises on conservation of Kisere Forest was determined by comparing exploitation of the forest by funded households and unfunded households. This was done by assessing the time spent in the forest and the frequency of visiting forest to collect forest products and the collection of forest products for sale versus subsistence by the funded and unfunded households. Impacts of Village enterprise was also assessed by monitoring trends in forest disturbance. It was found out that most plant species were used for firewood, poles, charcoal burning and source of medicine. Integrated conservation strategies aimed at providing people living around biodiversity hotspots with knowledge, skills and economic opportunities should be encouraged so that local communities can live sustainably with the forest ecosystems and protect local resources against future threats.