Browsing by Author "Vuyiya, Esther"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The impacts of human activities on tree species richness and diversity in Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya
    (Academic Journals : International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2014-06-01) Vuyiya, Esther; Konje, Martha; Tsingalia, Harrison; Obiet, Leonard; Kigen, Charles; Wamalwa, Stella; Nyongesa, Humphrey
    Tropical rain forests are species rich ecosystems that are being depleted at very high rates through human encroachment. Kakamega forest is one of the heavily fragmented and disturbed tropical rain forests due to the high human population densities that surround the forest. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of human activities on tree species richness, diversity, canopy surface area and seedling density in Kakamega forest. The study was conducted in four sites within Kakamega forest: Handidi, Lukusi, Isecheno and KWS as a control site. The data was collected between June and December, 2011. Vegetation sampling was done in randomly selected sites within each study site using belt transects and quadrants. Within each transect, the number of tree species and seedlings were counted and the intensity of human disturbances assessed. Vegetation data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance. Correlation and regression analysis were done between dependent and independent variables. Simpson’s diversity index was used to calculate tree species diversity in each study site. There were significant differences between species diversity, richness, canopy surface area and seedling density with distance from the forest edge. The study showed that there was negative impact of human activities (logging, grazing, debarking and charcoal burning) on tree species in the three study sites as compared to the control site. The results revealed a negative influence on the forest by human activities. The study recommended strict enforcement of the existing conservation laws concerning forest use by the local communities as well as formulating more integrated approach to the needs of local communities for natural resource use.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Role of Nyayo Tea Belt as A Buffer Zone in Sustainable Conservation of Kakamega Forest, Kenya
    (Iconic Research and Engineering Journals, 2025-01-07) Vuyiya, Esther; Konje, Martha Muthoni
    This study investigated the effectiveness of the Nyayo Tea Zone (NTZ) as a buffer zone in the conservation and management of Kakamega forest, Kenya, and assessed the impact of human activities on forest health. The research employed a mixedmethods approach, combining questionnaires administered to 339 randomly selected households within 5km of the NTZ boundary, structured interviews with key stakeholders, and experimental vegetation sampling. Four study sites were selected: Handidi, Lukusi, and Isecheno (adjacent to NTZ) and a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) site as control. Vegetation sampling used belt transects to assess tree species diversity, richness, canopy surface area, and seedling density. Results revealed that only 22.19% of the cleared forest land was utilized for tea plantation, while 59.02% was allocated to exotic forest species. All study sites adjacent to NTZ showed significantly lower species diversity, richness, canopy surface area, and seedling density compared to the KWS control site. Human activities (logging, grazing, debarking, and charcoal burning) demonstrated significant negative correlations with forest health indicators. Furthermore, 80% of respondents reported continued forest access despite the NTZ's presence, with only 2.5% recognizing its role as a conservation barrier. The study concludes that the NTZ buffer zone has not effectively achieved its conservation objectives, highlighting the need for more integrated approaches to forest protection and community engagement.