| dc.description.abstract | Forest-based benefits are often undervalued or not quantified in monetary terms, hence
ignored when making development decisions. Valuation of forest products and services is
vital in averting forest loss due to undervaluation. The study evaluated the importance of
non timber forest products (NTFP) extraction and forest recreation for income generation
and sustenance at local level. Specifically, plant species used by communities adjacent
the Mabira central forest reserve (CFR) were identified and documented and their
contribution to cash and non cash income assessed. It further assessed factors that
influence dependence on NTFP. Also the recreational value of Mabira CFR was
determined. The study followed qualitative and quantitative approaches in surveys of
NTFP involved users, traders and recreational visitors. Data was collected using a
questionnaire, field observations and key informant interviews. 342 NTFP users
identified through snowball sampling provided information on NTFP used, their
quantities, price and availability. A total of 36 key informants were interviewed about
medicinal plants used. One hundred ninety species were identified as used to treat 58
health conditions. Vernonia amygdalina was highly ranked and the most important in
treatment of malaria. One hundred sixty nine species were identified as used for food,
fodder, energy, construction, skewers and social cultural activities. The annual value of
NTFP was $ 801,782 of which $58,688 was home consumption and $801,782 cash
income. Charcoal was valued at $ 327,686. About 40% of the households depended on
NTFP income. The rich obtained the highest absolute value from NTFP ($ 1,225)
compared to the poor ($ 665). The poor, youth, women and uneducated were most
dependent on the forest (LR chi2 = 155.55, P =0.000). All the marketed NTFP were
profitable and the per capita value was highest for drums ($3,101) and lowest for
winnowing trays ($ 3). The level of trade, product traded, market and season significantly
influenced NTFP income (LR chi2 = 89.35, P =0.000). Trade in value added products
from permanent premises was more beneficial to traders than trade in raw materials. The
annual recreational value of Mabira CFR using the Zonal travel Cost method was $
577,443 and it was credited to the rich biodiversity of the forest by 60% of the visitors.
The study demonstrates the preferential use of NTFP which has implications of faster
depletion of multipurpose species. This calls for effective management and protection of
the forest reserve. Forest management and conservation policies should target the poor,
youth and women to reduce their dependence on the forest by providing alternative
livelihood options. The study further shows that forest recreation as a non market good
has its own economic value and considerable economic benefits. The newly introduced
recreational activity of canopy super skyway should be promoted in other forests in
Uganda since it was the most popular. NTFP and recreation have considerable value and
should therefore not be ignored when making resource allocation and development
decisions. | en_US |
