Forest Health is concerned with the capacity of forest ecosystems to maintain their structure, ecological functions, biodiversity, productivity, regeneration and resilience in the face of biological, environmental and anthropogenic disturbances. The course introduces learners to the principles, indicators, assessment methods and management approaches used to diagnose and maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
FORF 314 course uses Kenyan forests as primary case studies, including the Mau Forest Complex, Aberdare Forest, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Elgon, Cherangani Hills, Kakamega Forest and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. Major forest-health challenges addressed include forest degradation and deforestation, insect pests, tree diseases, invasive species, forest fires, drought, climate change, biodiversity loss, human disturbance and poor forest management.
Learners combine classroom theory, documentary/video analysis, field observation, forest-health diagnosis, data collection, mapping, stakeholder analysis and management planning. Particular emphasis is placed on distinguishing symptoms from causes, identifying interacting stressors, evaluating forest resilience and designing evidence-based interventions.
The course culminates in a Forest Health Assessment and Management Plan for a selected Kenyan forest or forest landscape.
The purpose of the course is to enable learners acquire competencies needed for detection, monitoring and suppression of forest stressors.
- Teacher: Kenneth Odhiambo