Indigenous knowledge and forest conservation in Arua District

Abstract

The Study “Indigenous knowledge and forest conservation in Arua district” guided by the grounded theory was designed to identify methods, knowledge and activities of the local people that promote or hinder tree growing and forest conservation. The following research questions were formulated to guide the study: (i) What are the common methods used by the local people in conserving forest resources? (ii) To what extent does the knowledge of the local people help to promote or hinder forest conservation? (iii) What are the activities of the local people that promote or hinder forest conservation? The following subjects were used in the study namely: peasant farmers, elders, chiefs, herbalists and forest extension workers. There main instruments used in the study were: questionnaire, interview guide and documentary analysis guide and observation. The study found out that the methods used by local people to extract firewood and herbs were sustainable. Secondly, knowledge and practice of the local people was found to promote conservation of mature and as well as young plants. Thirdly, certain activities of the local and people were found to significantly promote tree growing and forest conservation. The study concluded that, methods of extraction of firewood and herbs from forests by local people were sustainable and geared towards conservation of forests. Secondly, knowledge and practice of the local people was found to conserve mature and young trees and therefore contributed to forest conservation. Thirdly, certain activities of the local people were found to significantly promote tree growing and forest conservation. The study recommended that, there was need for the current forest conservation programmes to identify sustainable methods of extracting firewood and herbs from forests and incorporate them into their activities. Secondly, forest management authorities need to identify and document knowledge and practice of the local people that promote tree growing and forest conservation. Thirdly, current forest conservation programmes should identify certain activities of the local people that help to promote tree growing and forest conservation and integrate them into their activities.