*3.3.1. Social surveys*

In order to generate data about people's experiences of TEK, the first task was to investigate and analyze the socioeconomic/cultural and demographic profile of the respondents. To achieve this, a social survey was conducted on household basis, using mainly structured questionnaires. The questionnaires included both closed- and open-ended questions. Prior to the design of survey instruments, 2 weeks of reconnaissance were carried out in the study area to ascertain the population from which a sample would be drawn for data collection. Using a simplified formula for determining a sample size, n = 1 + N(e)<sup>2</sup> , the sample size was Role of Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Indigenous Institutions in Sustainable Land... http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.69890 167

lead to successful natural resource management. Some of their characteristics are [50]: social embeddedness, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and ability to promote inclusive and holistic

The study area covered Vihiga County and subcounties and areas adjacent to Kakamega tropical rainforest in western Kenya (**Figure 1**). Subsistence agriculture is the mainstay of the inhabitants of the area. The Kakamega forest ecosystem is a major source of charcoal and firewood, livestock grazing, medicinal extracts and wild honey and provides ground for the local community to practice their cultural activities such as circumcision [51]. The prominent SLM practices include: planting of improved seed varieties, timely implementation of agronomic practices, mulching, contouring on slopes, planting multipurpose farm trees and livestock integration [43, 44]. The SLM strategies for conservation of Kakamega forest ecosystem include: the promotion of farm forestry, sustainable planting and harvesting regimes for plantations, rehabilitation of natural forest stands and protection of riparian vegetation [52].

A synthesis of literature and theories led to the development of a conceptual model for the study as shown in **Figure 2**. The model emphasizes the pivotal role that ecological and socioeconomic factors play in the utilization of plant resources. The relationships in the model are complex but linear. As shown in **Figure 2**, the level of TEK and utilization of plant resources are not arbitrary but instead, specific factors determine where, who, when and how plant resources are utilized by varied cultural identities, resulting into either sustainable or unsus-

The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The data collec-

In order to generate data about people's experiences of TEK, the first task was to investigate and analyze the socioeconomic/cultural and demographic profile of the respondents. To achieve this, a social survey was conducted on household basis, using mainly structured questionnaires. The questionnaires included both closed- and open-ended questions. Prior to the design of survey instruments, 2 weeks of reconnaissance were carried out in the study area to ascertain the population from which a sample would be drawn for data collection.

, the sample size was

development.

166 Indigenous People

**3.1. Study area**

**3.3. Sources of data**

tion tools included:

*3.3.1. Social surveys*

**3. Research methodology**

**3.2. Conceptual framework for the study**

tainable utilization of plant resources and/or land management.

Using a simplified formula for determining a sample size, n = 1 + N(e)<sup>2</sup>

**Figure 1.** Map of Kenya (inset) showing the location of Vihiga District and Kakamega Forest that constitute the study area in the western highlands of Kenya (source: Ref. [53]).

**Figure 2.** Conceptual model of the study (source: author's own conceptualization).

calculated from the target population with a 5% margin error [57, 58]. In the formula, n = the desired sample size, N = the target population and e = margin of error.

A reconnaissance visit was prudent to help gain basic understanding of the potential respondents for the study, and this helped in deciding what to include in the survey instruments. After the initial visit, a week was spent preparing questionnaires for the survey, and another week for training of research assistants on how to effectively administer the questionnaires and also iron out any challenges regarding translation of questions and responses (from English to the local languages and vice versa where applicable). The services of a translator were employed where necessary. A total of 30 questionnaires were piloted. The results of the pilot were used to improve the efficiency of the data collection instruments for the main survey. The study also employed ethnographic approaches such as participant observation, transect walks, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.

#### *3.3.2. Participant observation*

Participant observation is considered a primary method in anthropological research, especially for ethnographic studies. One of the first instances of its use is in the work of Frank Hamilton Cushing who spent four and a half years as a participant observer with the Zuni Pueblo people (northwestern New Mexico) around 1879 [59]. The aim of participant observation was to understand the social world from the subjects under investigation's point of view [60].

#### *3.3.3. Key informant interviews*

This is a qualitative and in-depth method of data collection with people who know at firsthand what is going on in a specific area of an activity [60]. It is carried out in the form of a loosely structured conversation with selected (nonrandom) group/individuals that have specialized knowledge about a topic one wishes to understand [61]. Key informants for this study were selected from Kakamega County based on consultations with other key informants as well as references from scholarly literature and official documents. Key informants outside the study area were also interviewed where necessary.
