Benefits Of Indigenous Trees Species for Restoration of Moist Forests, Mt. Kenya

Abstract

Natural forests in Kenyan are important national assets that play critical roles in the economy while offering a range of ecological services. The early assault on natural forests involved clearing thousands of hectares to create farms and room for establishment of exotic plantation species known for their superior growth performance and economic returns since 1920s. Thus the development of multiple uses of natural forests for production of timber and environmental services is one strategy that is being discussed by policy makers and forest users. However, the strategy is hindered by limited information on potential yields and economic gains from use of indigenous species in forest restoration activities. Thus the main objective of this study is to find out various high potential tree species used in restoration of moist forest, their timber volume, financial returns and economic importance to the Kenyan economy. The study design will involve Stratified sampling of Irangi forest. Random sampling of selected trees and collection of data from secondary sources, it will also employ descriptive research design where observation will be used. Data analysis will be done using descriptive statistics. The generated costs of establishing and maintaining plantations and prevailing stumpage prices will be used in the financial analysis for study species. The expected outcome of this study is that there is a strong correlation between growth in yield per tree and age. Also the mean annual increment in volume of the indigenous species is relatively low as compared to competing exotic species.