Diversity of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Kakamega Forest, Western, Kenya

Peter Wachira
Peter Wachira
Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya
Cohort:
2024
project abstract

Kakamega forest is the only forest of its kind, the remnant of the Guineo-Congolian equatorial rainforests occurring in Kenya. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA), rich in tree species and a home to endemic plants and animals. The forest is in IUCN, 2015 priority list for conservation of indigenous forest. Its global significance earned Kakamega the UNESCO World Heritage Site title in 2010.  However, despite this significant global recognition, the biodiversity in this area is under threat due to human activities.  Over 100 years the forest has undergone major land use changes such as conversion of indigenous forest to plantations, forest fragmentations, degradation and various human activities. Consequently, over 50% forest cover has been lost in the last 38 years and habitats suitable for the survival of biodiversity are greatly threatened. Currently seven habitats types are evident. They include the indigenous primary and secondary forests, secondary plantation forest (exotic and indigenous tree species), open grasslands, riverine and swamp sites and the adjacent mono and mixed crop farmlands.  

This study seeks to understand how land use changes have affected the occurrence and the diversity of soil mycorrhizal fungi in the study area. The project will use the recommended SPUN protocols for soil samples collection and used molecular techniques to quantify the mycorrhiza fungi.  The project will involve the community and other stake holders in samples collection, processing and training on mycorrhiza. Results from the project will be disseminated through workshops, local and international conferences, and publications. It is envisaged that the community will be sensitized on the soil mycorrhizal fungi, their role to plants, threats and the need to conserve the habitats leading to their protection and conservation actions.