Participatory Forest Management has been widely promoted as a strategy to enhance forest conservation while improving the livelihoods of forest-adjacent communities. This study evaluates the effects of PFM on the livelihoods of local communities surrounding Muguga Forest in Kiambu County, Kenya. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data collected from members of the Muguga Ecosystem Research Community Forest Association (MERCFA) through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that PFM has contributed to livelihood improvement through income-generating activities such as tree nursery establishment, beekeeping, agroforestry, and controlled grazing. These activities have enhanced household income, promoted livelihood diversification and improved access to forest resources. However, the benefits remain modest and unevenly distributed due to constraints such as limited market access, inadequate financial support, weak institutional frameworks and low youth participation. The study concludes that while PFM positively influences livelihoods, its effectiveness is constrained by structural and governance challenges. Strengthening institutional support, enhancing market linkages and improving capacity building are critical to maximizing the livelihood benefits of PFM.
Jeptoo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.