**Acknowledgements**

influx of outside cultures and government policies. The above changes do not significantly across the study sites. Traditional leadership structures have been replaced by a formal system under the devolved County government structure, where leaders are democratically elected. Form the foregoing, it can be seen that a variety of institutions in the study area are involved in natural resource management. For successful engagement of local communities, there is need to recognize and work with local institutions. This is because their role as custodians of local knowledge [20], mobilizing collective action [74, 75] and connecting members of different communities [76] are all fundamental to effective natural resource

This study has demonstrated that inhabitants of western highlands of Kenya perceive most indigenous plant species as resourceful. For this reason, the inventory generated by this study ought to be printed and used to educate the younger generation about the varied types of plant resources and their uses. Such knowledge will empower local people to avoid unwanted destruction of resourceful resources out of ignorance. Indigenous institutions are evidently strong and effective in sustaining plant resources in the region. In order for the indigenous traditional knowledge to be better appreciated by the youth, the curriculum should be revised to integrate TEK. The possibility of being examined on indigenous plant resources will motivate the youth to be keen and even plant some of the species during agriculture lessons to better familiarize themselves with indigenous plant resources. Additionally, the study has shown that integrating new scientific knowledge with TEK can yield greater results in terms of sustainable development. A case in point is the *Jatropha curcus* (*amabono*) and *Aloe kedongensis* (*amakakha*) species that are now being conserved by some people in western highlands of Kenya for economic benefits. To this end, participatory research needs to be encouraged because it enables local people to benefit from their indigenous plant resources. Current trends of modernization of agriculture, land use and resource management systems have interfered with TEK through weakening the role of intergenerational experiences related to traditional SLM practices. The government has put a policy in place prohibiting cutting of trees. For this reason, someone needs authorization from the government prior to cutting down his/her trees. According to the permit, two trees should be planted to replace the one that is cut down. Although the policy is good, the government does not provide free seedlings to replenish the trees that are cut down. It is important for the government to provide necessary support in terms of seedlings to encourage sustainable utilization of plant resources. If seedlings are provided free of charge, many people will plant indigenous plant resources for use by future generations. Otherwise, there are many cases whereby the policy that requires replenishing of cut trees is not implemented due to lack of resources. Availability of seedlings could lead to a greener environment and conservation of indigenous plant resources in people's homes for future use. This practice will reduce the current pressure on forests to provide all required indigenous plant species. Government of Kenya also needs to address legal issues related to use of indigenous plant resources. As

management.

180 Indigenous People

**7. Conclusion**

This chapter is based on a study that was funded by the Organization of Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am heavily indebted to Dr. Meleckidzedeck Khayesi and Dr. Constance Ambasa for providing constructive comments during the initial stage and development of this project that greatly improved its quality. Colleagues at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) gave further constructive comments on the initial draft, during the weekly seminar, while the author was a Fellow at the institute. Your comments greatly helped shape the flow of ideas in the chapter. I acknowledge the services of Mr. Wilson Esinapwaka Sande Mukuna for providing botanical names of indigenous plant resources in the study area. The anonymous reviewers are thanked for their constructive input that greatly improved the quality of this chapter. Last but not least, I thank members of my family, staff and students of Geography Department, Kenyatta University and research assistants for their patience that enabled me to implement this study. To those I have not mentioned by name, I value your continued support and reiterate my appreciation for your contributions. However, I take full responsibility for presentation and interpretation of the study results. The views herein do not in any way represent the persons or institutions acknowledged.
