THESIS TITLE: African Traditional Religion and Biodiversity Conservation in the Mt. Elgon Forest Ecosystem in Bungoma County, Kenya

Student’s Name:Linet Nabutola

SUPERVISORS

Dr. Margret Matisi

Dr. Nelly Masayi

ABSTRACT

Mt. Elgon Forest ecosystem is termed a biodiversity hotspot and is home to globally threatened species making it a priority for species conservation. Mt. Elgon Forest encompass distinctive human communities with different cultural and religious beliefs that have a bearing on the forest’s ecosystem in diverse ways. The study sought to investigate how these religious activities affected floral diversity in Mt. Elgon Forest. Specifically, the study sought; to examine the religious activities carried out in Mt. Elgon Forest, to determine the effects of the religious activities on the floral diversity and establish intervening religious mechanisms that can be adopted to minimize forest degradation. It employed the modernization theory developed by Max Weber (1864–1920) and the Systems theory by Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1959). The Key Informants included religious leaders, elderly cultural informants, youths and professionals. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used to collect data on religious activities and mechanisms adopted to mitigate biodiversity degradation. Effects of religious activities on floral diversity were evaluated using Transect belts of 10 x 10m duplicate quadrants that were placed in three areas under different religious activities. Data on religious activities and intervening mechanisms was determined using (383) questionnaires which were distributed using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The Shannon Weiner diversity index was used to determine changes in floral diversity while Chi-Square was used to assess the relationship between religious activities and floral diversity. Data generated from questionnaires was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically after transcription of recorded voices. The findings established that there were two dominant religions in the area, African Traditional Religion and Christianity. These religions had many activities carried out in the forest but the major ones included Harvesting of medicinal plants which was the dominant activity with 89% (302), Prayers and sacrifices 83% (282), birth rituals 74% (250) Marriage rituals 69% (233), initiation rituals 65% (222) and burial rituals 65% (219). There was a significant relationship between the type of religion and the type of religious activity carried out in the region except for circumcision. The Shannon wiener diversity index revealed that the church at Iya area had the highest diversity index (H= 2.4182: E=0.8074) followed by control site at Labot (H=1.97093, E=0.710863) and the caves at Cheptiret area (H=1.6111, E=0.7651). Chi square test revealed a strong relationship between the type of religion and plant species diversity (P=0.000, X²=26.664). There was however no correlation between religion and floral diversity. Results on intervening mechanisms revealed that the main approaches that could be adopted to mitigate degradation of the forest cover included teaching about forest conservation 74% (250), provision of security 72% (242), stopping logging 66% (223), reforestation 65% (222), participation in making policies 64% (216) and advocating for resettlement of people away from the forest 34% (116). Results established that religious activities were associated with an increase in herbs and a decrease in trees species in the region. Various religious activities are carried out in Mt. Elgon forest and have significantly influenced biodiversity of the region. The Shamba system (PELIS) program that allowed locals to use the forest land for planting food crops under agroforestry had not worked very well and had led to a decrease in the forests cover. The study recommends planting of indigenous trees in areas under the Shamba system program as a mechanism to rehabilitate the degraded areas in montane forest ecosystems and the incorporation of environmental conservation education in the school curriculum.