Carbon Credit Projects in Kenya: Implementation and Effect on Human Development and Ecosystems in Local Communities - A Case of the Mikoko Pamoja Blue Carbon Initiative

Abstract

In the last five decades, climate change has become a global issue, affecting the environment, societies, and economies worldwide, albeit with varying impacts on different countries. To address this challenge, international cooperation has led to agreements such as the Rio Declaration, Stockholm Declaration, Paris Climate Agreement, and the pivotal Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol, in particular, laid the foundation for carbon credit projects, aiming to reduce emissions through partnerships between developed and developing nations. However, concerns have arisen regarding the effectiveness of these projects, both in emissions reduction and their impact on development and ecosystems, particularly in Africa. This study delved into these issues, grounded in two international relations theories: realism and liberalism. Realism highlights power dynamics among states, attributing slow climate change progress to disputes over costs and responsibilities among signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In contrast, liberalism promotes international cooperation without direct force, with recent efforts prioritizing shared responsibilities and common goals, exemplified by agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of carbon credit programs on human development within Kenyan communities and their associated ecosystems, focusing on the Mikoko Pamoja Blue Carbon Initiative (MPBCI) as a case study. The research objectives included documenting the MPBCI's implementation approach, assessing its benefits, and identifying challenges in its implementation. The study employed an exploratory research design, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Questionnaires with both closed-ended and open-ended questions were administered to community members involved in the MPBCI, supplemented by key informant interviews to validate findings. Snowball sampling was used to select participants, resulting in data collected from thirty respondents and insights from five key informants. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative insights, presented with illustrative quotations. The findings highlighted the community-centered and inclusive nature of the MPBCI, benefiting the Gazi Bay community. Community engagement and leadership were identified as critical factors for the initiative's success and sustainability. However, the project had limited direct economic impact, with most community members benefiting indirectly through community development projects. It improved access to essential services, such as water, education, and healthcare, and fostered social cohesion. Women's empowerment was evident, driven by alternative income opportunities and increased participation in leadership roles. Ecologically, the initiative led to increased fish stocks, mangrove cover, and a cleaner environment, with behavior changes among community members towards responsible environmental practices. Nonetheless, challenges included transparency issues, conflicts, inadequate job opportunities, insufficient income from carbon credits, funding shortages for community projects, and poor management of established income generation initiatives. The study's recommendations emphasized the importance of comprehensive community awareness programs on carbon credits, climate impacts, and emission reduction projects to foster cooperation and prevent disenfranchisement. Strategies to enhance carbon credit generation and income diversification were proposed, along with the development of a well-defined sustainability plan in collaboration with relevant organizations to secure lasting benefits for future generations.