Analyzing the drivers that shape people’s perceptions of the impact of changes in forest cover and human population on water availability in the Mt. Elgon water tower

This study examines the potential of Q-methodology as a tool to analyze drivers of stakeholders’ perceptions on the forest-water-people nexus (FWP-nexus) in relation to water availability and quality. The research focuses on understanding why forest-water resource management often fails to deliver intended effects and why it’s difficult to align agroforestry campaigns with local interests despite existing natural resource frameworks and policies. The study compares scientific insights and local stakeholders’ perceptions across two sub-catchments (Sipi River Sub-catchment and River Manafwa Sub-catchment) in the Mt. Elgon water tower region.