Assessing the utilization and socio – economic impacts of Osyris lanceolata (hochst & steudel) and associated environmental degradation in Kitui county

Abstract

Arid and Semi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kenya are rich in diversity of indigenous plants that have the potential to supply marketable commodities on a sustainable basis such as gums, resins and essential oils, among others. In the recent past there has been rampant unsustainable harvesting of Osyris lanceolata in Kenya to produce raw material to support manufacturing industries. The objectives of this study were to map out O. lanceolata growing zones in targeted sub – counties, assess the socio – economic benefits of O. lanceolata in the selected sub–counties, ascertain the environmental impacts associated with the exploitation of O. lanceolata and determine the legal framework associated with O. lanceolata utilization. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 20. A total of 120 respondents were interviewed. There were two main uses of O. lanceolata wood products; medicinal and perfumery oil production. The main purpose of harvesting O. lanceolata was commercial use (44.2%), with little use for domestic purposes (16.7%). The major beneficiaries of O. lanceolata business were the manufacturers reported and middlemen. Majority of the respondents (51.7%) reported that the main customers for O. lanceolata were the pharmaceutical companies followed by 29.2% who reported that it was perfume and cosmetic companies. The Chi- square statistic of 6.321 and p-value of 0.0075 were found significant (p<0.05). The study established that one litre of the refined and processed O. lanceolata oil price ranges between Kshs. 80,000 to Kshs. 100,000. The Chi- square statistic of 6.223 and p-value of 0.002 were found significant (p<0.05). On existence of groups, Kitui South had slightly more with 72.4% compared to other sub-counties. The Chi- square statistic of 6.2475 and p-value of 0.0001 were found significant (p<0.05). Majority (73.3%) of respondents indicated that the main method for harvesting O. lanceolata was total uprooting which ended up causing environmental degradation. The regression model for O. lanceolata harvesting = 1.04 + 0.207x1 + 0.431x2 + 0.641x3 – 0.129x4. The study established that all the independent variables had a positive correlation with the dependent variable. This means socio - economic benefit (x3) had the highest contribution to the model (0.641), having the highest correlation of (r=0.781, p<0.01) followed by the usage knowledge (x2) with a correlation of (r=0.744, p< 0.01) and then distribution of O. lanceolata (x3) with a correlation of (r=0.666 p< 0.01), environmental impact (x4) had the least correlation of (r= 0.581, p< 0.01). The study established that, O. lanceolata was being exploited. People engage in O. lanceolata harvesting to enhance their livelihoods. The study findings will inform policy making process in Kitui County as the distribution and socio – economic benefits of the O. lanceolata in Kitui County have been determined.