THE UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG

Conclusions
The overall objective of this study was to examine the contention whether there are
conflicting notions relating to biodiversity and how such conflicting positions are
institutionalized. Based on literature in the line of national resource management and
institutional performance, we endeavoured to evaluate and highlight some of the flaws in
Kenya’s institutional framework relating to biodiversity management. We found out that
national regimes governing and regulating biodiversity usage in Kenya, are often in conflict
with local institutions and practices, a situation which leads to institutional conflict. In short,
one cannot de-link institutional mediation, participation and institutional coordination from
proper institutional functioning as well as efficient resource management in a protected area
like Kakamega forest.
In the study we have noted that in the tropical world, poor protected area management
especially in the realm of forestry, significantly compromises biodiversity, ecosystem
services, livelihoods, and all the other values associated with protected areas. In many
developing countries like Kenya, poor management of resources persists regardless of the
extent of international intervention in form of substantial financial assistance and technical
assistance designed to improve conservation outcomes. These ensuing concerns have
illustrated the need for furthering a deeper understanding of why persisting failures in meeting
protected area objectives continue to exist.
In the study, we have indicated that comprehending the successes and failures in forest
biodiversity conservation is more complex than simply looking at generalised case studies.
Instead, specific local case units like Kakamega need to be considered as part of a larger
system of structured possibilities, within a politically charged framework. The institutional
analysis which this study has employed has provided a framework for examining the
numerous variables influencing actors’ interests, behaviours, values and for understanding the
relationship between these parameters, to one another, as well as the resultant institutional and
management outcomes.
One of the critical requirements for successful performance of conservation programmes in
forest reserves that also inhabit people is that, local populations must participate in the
creation, planning and management of the reserve. The problems in case of the Kakamega
forest reserve demonstrate that, local participation is not an option, but a must. A forest
reserve governed by only formal institutions cannot effectively work, as the forest is a
resource that is linked to the peoples’ feelings. On that note the local people cannot be treated
as pawns of externally enforced mechanical act. Local people should be invited and actively
involved to take part in institutional and management discussions. This calls for a
fundamental shift in the approach to conservation and participation of local populations.
Poor governance is one of the key characteristic that has been highlighted to cause the failure
of tropical forest resource conservation. Again, the Kakamega scenario affords a glowing
example. Therefore, good governance characterized by transparency, accountability and
representation of a multiplicity of interests is one of the key ingredients needed to right some
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