Community-based natural resource management in Kenya

Purpose - The main purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate community-based natural resource management as an alternative approach to government stewardship of natural resources. The paper discusses Kenya's experience with community-based approaches, identifies some of the problems that have been experienced in implementing the approach, and suggests ways of strengthening these approaches to ensure that natural resources are managed more sustainably and efficiently and in ways that generate tangible economic benefits to local communities. Design/methodology/approach - The research reported in this paper was undertaken through an extensive review of existing literature, discussions with representatives of local communities and resource managers and personal observations. Findings - The paper finds that the community-based approach to the stewardship of natural resources is a viable alternative to state management and can, if properly implemented, result in more equitable distribution of power and economic benefits, reduced conflicts, increased consideration of traditional and modern environmental knowledge, protection of biological diversity, and sustainable utilization of natural resources. In many cases where the approach has been implemented it has not yielded substantial benefits mainly because of institutional, environmental and organizational factors. The successful implementation of CBNRM projects requires a legal and policy framework that empowers local communities and grants them responsibility and authority for natural resource management. It also requires that an acceptable formula be defined for the sharing of the benefits and responsibilities. Practical implications - This paper challenges the stewardship of natural resources by the state and presents arguments in support of a community based approach that prioritizes the livelihood needs of local communities and provides them with strong incentives to conserve and utilize natural resources sustainably. Originality/value - This paper is original in applying the principles of community based natural resource management to specific local wildlife and forestry cases in Kenya.