The Socio-Cultural and Economic Impacts of Mau Forest Displacement among the Ogiek Community in Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to examine the Socio-cultural and economic impacts of Mau Forest displacement among Ogiek Community in Kenya. The study was guided by Marketing Mix Theory. This study adopted a descriptive survey method. The study targeted 15,000 household members of the Ogiek community and key informants drawn from Government Agencies, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and non- governmental organizations while respondents were drawn from Multi-stage-cum-stratified random sampling technique in selecting 150 respondents for this study. The study was conducted between the month of September 2020 and May 2021. The instruments used for collection of data relevant to this study were questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. The sample size of 150 respondents was calculated using Curry formula of (1984). The study utilized descriptive statistics techniques for analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed by use of measures of central tendencies such as frequencies, means and percentages while qualitative data were summarized and interpreted in line with the research objective and question. Results of data analysis were presented in form of figures and tables. Findings revealed that Mau Forest displacement has affected the use of common property. The displacement has even gone to the extent of causing death to the affected community members. The Ogiek community have suffered economically as they compete for resources and opportunities in their new areas, they are also socially and culturally challenged as they adjust to new norms and way of life within the host communities, the study revealed that the community struggle to mingle with the host communities sometimes resulting into conflicts due to divergent socio-cultural norms. In conclusion, displaced persons are prone to a lot of social-cultural and economic challenges. The community members livelihood is put at risk as they struggle to survive in the new place, that differs with their original home within the Mau Forest. The study recommends that the government should do a comprehensive relocation, compensation plan and livelihood diversification strategies for the community.

Keywords: Household livelihood, Socio-cultural and economic, Mau forest displacement and Ogiek Community.