Journal of
Ecology and The Natural Environment

  • Abbreviation: J. Ecol. Nat. Environ.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9847
  • DOI: 10.5897/JENE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 407

Article in Press

Uses and community perception on the value and status of P. africana (Hook. F) Kalkm. across Western Mau Forest

Gladys Chebet, Paul K. Mbugua, and Rebecca N. Karanja

  •  Received: 13 October 2018
  •  Accepted: 18 June 2021
The study investigated the uses of Prunus africana and community perception on the value and conservation status of the same tree across Western Mau forest. Four blocks were objectively selected for the survey. A socio-economic survey was conducted using structured questionnaires containing both closed and open-ended questions to determine community perceptions on the status of the tree under study. The data were mainly analyzed in form of proportions and variations between sites tested using chi-square statistics at p<0.05. The survey revealed that the tree is used for herbal medicine, timber, fuelwood, charcoal burning, and agro-forestry development. The community largely believed that the current management of Western Mau forest is not the best and as such the tree was in danger. They further argued that most detrimental human activities were on the rise which is a reason for worry. Histograms, tables and graphs showed that there were differences in the perceptions across the age categories. The differences were further corroborated by results of inferential statistics. It can be concluded that P. africana is of great importance to the local community around Western Mau forest but the current management approach is not sufficient. A more pro-active management approach is therefore recommended.

Keywords: Community, Use, Conservation, Prunus Africana.