Effectiveness of Participatory Forest Management Plans Development and Implementation on Conservation of Elgeyo Hills Forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

Participatory forest management plans development and implementation play a major role in forest conservation. In this context, the study sought to examine the level of community involvement in the development and implementation of forest management plans and the stakeholder role in determining the outcomes of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) in Elgeyo Hills Forest. A case study research design was employed, utilising a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Data were collected through structured surveys with 384 targeted respondents, of whom 264 participated, alongside semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) representatives. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics for quantitative survey data (e.g., participation rates) using SPSS and thematic analysis for qualitative interview data to identify patterns in stakeholder roles and barriers. Results indicate a willingness among many community members to participate in forest management activities; however, involvement was limited due to a lack of awareness, ineffective CFA leadership, and poor communication systems. Tree planting and occasional meetings were the primary activities, with minimal consultation in decision-making or PFMP formulation. These findings suggest that, despite participatory structures, engagement remains low. CFAs ought to improve outreach, training, and governance in order to boost participation. Partnership with stakeholders, including KFS, CFAs, local government, and NGOs, increased the effectiveness of conservation in terms of technical assistance and mobilisation of resources, but a lack of funding, a lack of awareness, and a lack of policy implementation hampered success. The study underlines the necessity of integrating all stakeholders in decision-making, capacity building, and institutional support for long-term forest protection.