Conference on International Agricultural Research for Development Cultural influence of forest perception and forest use among the Tiriki community in West Kenya

Despite rapidly ongoing globalisation, some forests in Kenya are managed by local people in a traditional and sustainable way. It is assumed that the related perception of forest use by local people is based on specific values and attitudes. The aim of this paper is to investigate intangible forest-related values and attitudes of the Tiriki, tribal villagers living around the Kakamega forest in western Kenya. The sacred community forests of the Tiriki are described as rich in biodiversity. The study investigates cultural constructs that influence the perception and use of these forests and the role of traditional and religious practices. The main emphasis is given to contemporary connections of the Tiriki and ‘their’ sacred forests. Traditional and modern intangible values are investigated to understand the importance of sacred forests and to elucidate differences that distinguish these places from governmentally administered forests. Based on the case study approach the following data collection methods are being applied: review of secondary material, accompanying community members to spiritual places and activities, photograph documentation, group discussion, semi-structured and narrative interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the software MAXqda2. The analysis of the interviews reveals that forest-related intangible values can be classified and hierarchically structured taking reference to Bagatzky (1986). On the highest level of abstract principles the Tiriki common spirit and the closed canopy as well as a selection of special indigenous tree species of sacred forests as cultural places can be identified. The direct protection of the forest and related practical rules are clearly stated on lower levels (e. g. who is allowed to perform which activities in these forests). The Tiriki are known to obey their simple rules very strictly (common spirit). This will be illustrated by empirical evidence. Further data analysis aims to derive tangible indicators of culturally appropriate forest use that may be used for the formulation of guidelines for sustainable forest management.