Review Article
Assessing Key Non-wood Forest Products in Kenya: Insights for Conservation and Sustainable Development
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
144-151
Received:
19 May 2025
Accepted:
5 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: Non-wood forest products (NWFP) present opportunities for diversifying livelihoods in Kenya especially in the arid and semi-arid lands. This paper examines the current status, investment opportunities, challenges, and potential mitigation measures in key non-wood forest product value chains in Kenya in relation to conservation and sustainable development. It focuses on aloe, gums and resins, dyes and tannins, indigenous fruits and, honey and bee products. The study adopted a desk-based literature review methodology, drawing on research outputs from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and other scholarly and policy-related sources. A structured value chain lens was used to examine technological, institutional, and infrastructural factors influencing the development of NWFPs. Key findings focusing on current practices, existing technologies, gaps and inefficiencies, infrastructure bottlenecks and opportunities for upgrading are presented, along with lessons learned and recommendations for improving the development of these value chains. Major challenges identified include technological limitations in harvesting and processing, natural resource availability and degradation issues, inadequate technical capacity and extension services, high investment and operational costs, financial constraints, weak market linkages and value addition, and gaps in policy and legal frameworks. Despite these constraints, the review highlights several investment opportunities. These include the development of forest-based bio-enterprises, the expansion of local and international markets, implementation of certification and quality standards, capacity-building and knowledge transfer programs, increasing demand for forest products, and enhanced governance and support through Kenya's devolved government system. The ongoing review of The Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 is also noted as a potential enabler of growth in these sectors. This paper offers valuable insights for investors, researchers, policymakers, farmers, students and other stakeholders aiming to support evidence-based planning and the sustainable commercialization of NWFPs in Kenya.
Abstract: Non-wood forest products (NWFP) present opportunities for diversifying livelihoods in Kenya especially in the arid and semi-arid lands. This paper examines the current status, investment opportunities, challenges, and potential mitigation measures in key non-wood forest product value chains in Kenya in relation to conservation and sustainable devel...
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,
Rose Chiteva
