Effects of Socio-cultural Attributes on Dominant Tree Species Diversity in Ugenya Sub-County Siaya County, Kenya

Abstract

The households’ socio-cultural characteristics are vital indicators of land use practices and human development. Attributes, for example, culture, education, and gender affect the tree species’ cover distribution. However, it is little known if they influence the dominant tree species diversity. The effort to alleviate low-level education, gender inequality accelerated by the local cultural beliefs and traditions has proved ineffective. This survey assessed the effect of culture, analysed the effect of education level, and evaluated the effect of gender on tree species diversity. A sample of 384 household heads was interviewed. A descriptive cross-section survey design and systematic random sampling were applied. Data sources were; Focus Group Discussions, key informants, observation, measurement, enumeration, and photography. Shannon Wiener’s diversity index was applied. Data was analysed using R statistics. Culturally non-adhering households t (363) = 2.62, p = .011, registered significant higher mean score (M = 1.49, SD = 0.82) compared to culturally conservative (M = 1.77, SD = 0.87). Households with higher education level registered (M = 2.02, SD = 0.12) which demonstrated lower score, compared to the households characterized by basic level of education (M = 2.43, SD = 0.26) with a significance of t (382) = 1.74, p =.036, There was insignificant mean score in species diversity contrast in the gender categories, t (382) = 0.639 p = .051, despite males (M = 2.40, SD = 0.26) attaining a lower diversity mean score (M = 2.43, SD = 0.12). The local dominant tree species’ diversity is affected by socio-cultural characteristics. Therefore, for the restoration and conservation of the tree species diversity, the socio-cultural functions should be addressed in the Ugenya Sub-County to attain net carbon sink prospects