This subsection discusses the instruments used to gather field data and how they were used. A combination several data collection instruments were embraced to gather the information in this study. They included Rapid Rural Appraisal, non-participant observation, questionnaire administration, photography, oral interviews and the use of schedules and checklists. The analysis of forest inventory maps, satellite data (using GIS and Remote Sensing) and the review of already documented information also formed part of this process.
5.1. Rapid rural appraisal
Participatory approaches of data collection were used under the banner of Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA). Stinson (1979) observes that RRA is done over a relatively shorter period of time (a few days to a few weeks). RRA are semi-structured, multi-disciplinary, and provide room
for flexibility and innovation. Data collection emphasised learning directly from the local inhabitants.
This methodology was used to collect information from stakeholders as to what was the best strategy for participatory forest management. The questions asked in these sessions were open ended to stimulate an argumentative process during the sessions. Webb (2008a) confers that questioning that elicits an argumentative process is critical in order to spur the respondents into justifying their claims, a vital component of deriving meaning from one‟s submissions. A series of RRA sessions were undertaken in every sub-location within the Nandi Hills area sampled for by the study for data gathering. The sessions culminated into an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting in the two District Headquarters, Nandi South and Nandi North Districts. The discussions were moderated by the researcher assisted by personnel from the KFS and local Provincial Administration. The views that were generated informed the findings of the study.
5.2. Non-participant observation
This method was used to obtain information on the level of degradation of forest resources, the manifestation of impacts of the current forest utilization practices and the community‟s relationship with forest resources. An observation schedule was used for this purpose. This was because observations were anticipated to increase the relevance and reliability of the data gathered during field work (Piel, 1982)
5.3. Oral interview schedule
Oral interview schedules were used to obtain information from the line ministries‟ officers and the civil society personnel with interests in forest management in the Nandi Hills
area. Kerlinger (1973) observed that interviews are advantageous because of face to face interpersonal interaction and this formed the basis for this choice. A great deal of information can be obtained through schedules within a short time, adding credence to this choice.
5.4. Questionnaires
As noted earlier, the utilization of the forest and its products is driven by the household size and needs. Every community member targeted for environmental education was a member of a household. Two types of household questionnaires were administered namely; qualitative and quantitative data questionnaires. The sample size was 882 for the qualitative household questionnaires, 306 for the quantitative household questionnaires. With the help of the Provincial Administration and opinion leaders within the community, the principal access roads in the villages were identified and used as transects. Simple random sampling was used along the transect line for homesteads and households for interviewing. The heads of the families were interviewed because they are the major decision makers within the households. In the event that the household head was not found, the second available authority within the household was interviewed. The researcher and the research assistants then administered the instruments.
5.5. Mechanical devices
Digital cameras were used to capture real-time data on land use, the extent of visible degradation and the other relevant data related to this study.
5.6. Remote sensing and GIS
Remote Sensing and GIS data were generated by obtaining Landsat images from the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development in Nairobi. The acquired maps and
platform for spatio-temporal variability. This was done to provide the baseline for interpretation and subsequent on-site verification survey. Ground truthing was done by means of field visits, an observation checklist and photographic evidence. After on-site verification, the land use/land cover classes established were geo-referenced and digitized for geospatial analysis. The observation from satellite images enhanced assessment of the extent of spatiotemporal variations in land use and land cover over the period considered.
Satellite images, Landsat TM series of 1990s and ETM of 2000s imagery of the study area were evaluated for land cover change. The remote sensing (satellite) data applied in assessing the land cover changes covered the years of 1994, 1999, 2003 and 2009. Image interpretation was made based on land cover types, supervised land cover classification and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) computed for images captured at different dates. Standard procedures were followed during image interpretation based on land cover types and visual interpretation of the tonal, textual and structural characteristics renders on images that helped in delineation of land cover classes digitized for various image dates. The various land use and their associated changes were mapped based on the pixel size of the satellite data types. The interpreted data informed on landscape qualities, land cover changes and land use patterns over the study area. The framework that guided the change detection is illustrated in figure 6.3.
Figure 6.4
Change detection framework for mapping land use
5.7. Review of documented information
Review of documented information also formed part of data gathering methods. The documents reviewed included the National and District Development Plans, Statistical Abstracts, forest inventory maps, remote sensing data, and aerial photographs of the study area for a range of 5-20 years. Others included government documents on environmental education, participatory forest management and scholarly articles on the subject area.
Ecosystem map/ change map Class integration and Re-class Ecosystem map/ change map Class integration and re-class Data pre-processing (image geo-referencing,
rectification and setting of band ratios)
Temporal change analysis
Unsupervised – isoclust, Supervised - maxlike Image Classification
Ecosystem map/ change map Class integration and Re-class
Landsat satellite images
Temporal change analysis
Unsupervised – isoclust, supervised - maxlike Image classification
Ecosystem map/ change map Class integration and re-class