Plantation establishment has incorporated communities and had changed over time from shamba system, Non Resident cultivation and presently plantation establishment and livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS). Success of PELIS varies from region to region. The case study evaluated PELIS in Mau, Eastern, Nairobi, North Rift and Central highlands conservancies. A socioeconomic survey was conducted followed by visit to the site. Total area under PELIS in Kenya was 18,932.63ha distributed in six forest conservancies. The overall seedling survival rate was 67% with Nairobi leading with 78% followed by Central Highlands conservancy with 74% and North Rift with 65%.  Main cause of low survival was poor seedling quality. Most farmers (91%) got their household food requirements from crops grown in PELIS plots and this contributed to household food security. The PELIS rules were abused by 55% and 33% of the respondents in Bahati and Dundori respectively. Most farmers (70%) paid rent for the first year but this reduced to 10% in the third year. The level of satisfaction with PELIS depended on how community members were involved, plot allocation methods and methods in place for solving conflicts. Results suggest that PELIS is suitable practice in which both the Kenya Forest Service and the farmers benefits. For the farmers, the food crop yields and financial earnings realized are sufficient to attract their participation. Therefore the PELIS qualifies to be sustained. KFS PELIS rules need some adjustment, especially on type of food crops, plot allocation, and collection of revenue.

04 - Evaluation of Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme as Method for Raising Forest Plantations in Kenya