THE EFFECT OF SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES IN THE CONSERVATION OF MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA

SAMUEL LEKISHON KIU; HEATHER KIPCHUMBA

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.509

SAMUEL LEKISHON KIU Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.509

Keywords: Social, Cultural, Conservation, Maasai Mara National Reserve

Abstract

The conservation of National Reserves across the globe is a tourist policy priority, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity. In Kenya, the areas have been gazetted as protected; however, despite the recent legal frameworks, little is known about the utilization of the social and cultural knowledge and leadership of the local communities in conservation of the reserves, the Maasai Mara being one of them. This study, therefore, sought to examine the role of socio-cultural practices in the conservation of Maasai Mara National Reserve, in Narok County, Kenya. The study was guided by the descriptive research design, and data were collected using questionnaires. A sample size of 200 was used. A pilot study was carried out in the Mara Siana Conservancy. The collected data was supported by secondary data. Research authorization was sought from Kenyatta University, and a research permit from NACOSTI. Anonymity and confidentiality were adhered to. Results indicated that there is a positive correlation between socio-cultural practices and conservation of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. These practices included the incorporation of the Maasai cultural traditions in conservation, the utilization of traditional leadership, and the practice of cultural tourism.

Author Biographies

SAMUEL LEKISHON KIU, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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