Factors affecting performance of collaborative forest management groups in Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve

Abstract

Uganda‘s forests hold critical biodiversity that is central to the country‘s economy and people‘s livelihoods. This study focused on understanding how institutional, biophysical, socioeconomic, and external factors influence the performance of CFM groups in Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve. Performance of Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) groups was measured on a binary scale based on general group activities and responsibilities. A cross-sectional case study research design with a mixed approach of research that involves collecting, analyzing, and integrating quantitative and qualitative research (and data) in a single study was adopted. A total of 76 CFM groups in Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve were considered in this study. Mann-Whitney and Ch-square tests showed that socio-economic characteristics for active and struggling CFM groups are the same. Condition of the forest patch, Group initiator, and frequency of monitoring were significantly associated with whether a CFM group was active or struggling. Binary logistic regression produced the number of initial males in CFM groups, presence of conflicts, condition, and size of forest patch managed, and frequency of monitoring as Significant factors influencing the performance of CFM groups. The most important strategies proposed by CFM group executives to improve CFM group performance were increasing sensitization of communities about CFM groups, improving income-generating activities for CFM groups, and increasing funding to CFM groups.