Using Indigenous Knowledge and Education to Influence and Shape Nationally Determined Contributions Implementation in the Forest and Land-Use Sector Near Mount Kenya Forest.

Abstract

The world is going through turbulent times due to climate change. The problem is compounded by increasing population in developing countries, exerting pressure on land due to needs for food, water, energy, and pasture, leading to forest degradation and carbon emission. The continued degradation of forests dims the future prospects of sustainable use of forest to achieve human needs notably, local communities and indigenous populations need to take more active roles in preservation of the forests. There has been ironically inadequate participation of indigenous and civil society groups in the REDD+ activities in Africa; making international bodies and organizations the major (and in some instances, the only) actors, thus reducing REDD+ processes to be ‘expatriate’ and ‘foreign knowledge’ based (p. 30). One wonders why indigenous knowledge and education has not been sought. The aim of this project is to find out, and support Mount Kenya communities to use indigenous knowledge and education to influence and shape preservation and implementation in the forest and land-use sector through the following specific objectives are 'research on indigenous knowledge of the Mount Kenya communities and indigenous peoples; strengthening available indigenous knowledge and education framework of the Mount Kenya communities and indigenous peoples through capacity building, encouragement and financial support. The study involved research on indigenous knowledge and education that support environmental management around Mount Kenya, and specifically Kirinyaga County. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to get primary data; documentary study was used to get secondary information. Results showed. Knowledge of justice systems related to environment; knowledge of forest benefits of species; and sacralization of objects and places; which have been instrumental in forest conservation around Mt Kenya. The study recommends that key stakeholders and local institutions should find ways of adopting and disseminating beneficial indigenous through education and advocacy.