Cartoons in Environmental Education

Kakamega Forest is a valuable and unique East African rainforest. Disturbances not only cause loss of biodiversity but also destroy the livelihood of the people around the forest. Different types of forest use have a heavy impact on the forest and are therefore forbidden or restricted. Among them are hunting of animals, collecting of snakes, production of charcoal and cattle grazing. Enforcing rules is difficult, therefore the aim is to stimulate local pride and to sensitise the people for the problems of their forest.

Cartoons are one possible means in environmental education. They are particularly useful to reach children or people with a shorter formal education. Furthermore, they allow humorous illustrations of facial expressions. In contradiction to prohibition signs they reduce the felt pressure and spontaneous opposition. Therefore, a better chance of success is expected. On this webpage some cartoons are shown. They include single pictures, comic strips and animations. All drawings were done by Dennis Hauck and taken from his diploma thesis.

Examples for single pictures
various characters

Examples for comic strips

Major threats to the forest: cattle grazing and charcoaling

Hunting forbidden: "Khuhima khwa kaywa!"