Assessment of Factors that Contribute to Forest Resource Use Conflicts

Since time immemorial, Eburu forest, a montane forest that forms part of Mau forest complex, located in Kenya, has been providing a multiplicity of both environmental goods and services to a wide array of beneficiaries. Growing forest resource use conflicts has however been experienced in the recent past. Existence of a multiplicity of forest resource users, some with incompatible goals and priorities, together with other factors has fuelled forest resource use conflicts, that not only contribute to forest degradation but also compromise traditional access rights of local people to the forest resource. The study presents an incredible demonstration of the need for a clear understanding of the concept of community and social diversity in forest management based on the realization that empowering people to realize their rights, such as through equitable benefit sharing, can provide an enabling environment for meeting conservation objectives. A clear understanding of factors contributing to forest resource use conflicts will enable development of strategies and measures that will effectively address the conflicts.