Community-level management strategies for small central forest reserves in Uganda. A case study of Nakunyi Central Forest Reserve.

Abstract

Forests play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining the livelihoods of the dependent communities (MEA, 2005; FAO, 2020). In Uganda, forest management is divided into Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) managed by NFA and other PFE areas such as the National Parks managed by the UWA or Local Forest Reserves (LFRs) on private and customary land. NFA classifies CFRs based on their size, ecological significance, and intended use. The classification system aids the NFA in strategic planning, resource allocation, and implementing appropriate management practices tailored to each reserve's characteristics and needs. implementation of management measures however, predominantly targets larger, ecologically significant CFRs during strategic planning, and resource allocation hence neglecting small yet critical forests. Realisation of the long-term management outcomes of small forests with little attention from the mainstream NFA management interventions owing to their perceived small sizes and the limited ecological benefits necessitates a community centered bottom-up approach. The study sought to the understanding of the community efforts that can be employed in the management of the small forests in Uganda.specifically, the study Estimated the land use/land cover changes of Nakunyi CFR from 2010-2015-2020-2024, determined the level of Household dependency on the Nakunyi CFR and assessed the possible community-level management interventions for Nakunyi CFR and the factors that influenced co-management interventions for Nakunyi CFR. The study was conducted in Buvuma district, Buvuma town council and Nairambi sub-counties. Data was collected using participant interviews, KIIs and FGDs and downloading satellite images. Image classification was conducted to obtain the LULC maps and estimate the LULC changes for Nakunyi CFR. Forest inventory was conducted to assess the forest status. Descriptive statistics was used to compute the Relative Forest Index (RFI) to ascertain the household dependency on Nakunyi CFR. Binary Regression was used to determine the factors that influenced the household dependency on Nakunyi CFR. Cross tabulations were used to analyse the possible community level management intervention and the factors that influenced the co-management interventions by the community. Nakunyi CFR was characterized by four (4) LULC classes, including THF (well stocked), THF (low stock), Croplands, Grasslands and Water. The most prevalent LULC change from 2010-2024 period was from THF (well stocked) to THF (stock) accounting for 10.14ha (67.4%) decrease in area. The drivers of the LULC changes included Charcoal making, logging, firewood harvesting and crop growing. The communities around Nakunyi CFR were dependent on the forest given a Relative Forest Index (RFI) of 17.8%. Respondents aged, distance from the forest and household size were the significant factors that influenced dependency. Alternative income activities were the most reported co-management intervention for male and respondents aged between 36-45 years. Respondents closest to the forest (0.5-1km) preferred training and training while majority of the women reported restoartaion planting. The study concludes that Nakunyi CFR is experiencing LULC conversion due to illegal logging, firewood extraction and Charcoal making that have affected the forest status. The study therefore recommends more enforcement of deterrent measures for illegal forest dealers, integrating forest resource use into forest management strategies objectives and Gender, age and distance segregated management interventions should be employed by NFA.