The ‘Bald’ Ecosystem: Indigenous Resource Governance and Restoration of Kivaa Forest, Kenya

The Kivaa ecosystem was rich in biodiversity until the late 1940s. Following human-induced conversion through logging and uncontrolled extraction of trees for charcoal, timber, and herbal medicine, the ecosystem changed progressively between the 1950s and the early 2000s, culminating in a ‘bare’ landscape. For over 50 years, the hill resembled a baldhead, thus befitting its name Kivaa (Kamba for baldhead). Natural springs dried and could no longer supply fresh water. Increased human action completely decimated vegetation cover, and the remaining wildlife migrated in search of habitat. Conversion of the ecosystem coincided with an increase in poverty, diseases, and social problems, which the local community associated with supernatural punishment. Since the last decade, however, community-led efforts to restore the ecosystem using indigenous resource governance mechanisms have witnessed a form of landscape reorganisation. The ecosystem is increasingly regaining its former glory. In this research article, we examine the local adoption of eco-cultural beliefs and practices for the conservation of nature. Further, we interrogate questions of commitment and enforcement of traditional rules against the backdrop of rising demand for forest resources. A qualitative study under the cross-sectional research design and qualitative data collection methods were utilised in ascertaining the conservation methods used in conserving the Kivaa Indigenous Forest from purposively and non-probability sampled respondents of 100. The study revealed that some of the eco-cultural beliefs and practices adopted include the use of shrines, taboos and myths, customary laws, rules and regulations and rituals. Adherence to traditional norms and values for the conservation of nature obtains favour because the governance system builds on traditional systems. The questions of commitment and enforcement, though linked to supernatural power, remain rather problematic, particularly due to generational problems, immigration, population increase, growing demands for natural resources, and changing attitudes.