Assessing the impact of protected areas on indigenous communities: The case of Lake Kamnarok Nr, Kenya

This research identifies the three main components of protected area land use conflict in Africa as governance, the environment, and the livelihoods of communities local to the area. Previous explorations of the topic have often focused on the government and the environment, with little consideration given to the people whose livelihood structures are dependent upon protected natural resources. However, lack of community cooperation with government conservation schemes can have a substantial impact on the sustainability of protected flora and fauna. Using a case study approach, this paper will examine the impacts that the formation of a national reserve has had on the livelihoods, village structure, and attitudes of local communities. This information will be used to discuss how the relationship between the locals and the governing body of a protected area has affected conservation of the area, in order to identify possible planning and management strategies that might improve both.