Forest Management and Sustainability of Forests

Abstract

The study was about Forest Management and Sustainability of Forests: A Case of Kyahi and Rwoho Forest Reserves in Isingiro District South Western Uganda”. The study was aimed at documenting the stakeholders involved in promoting forest management in Isingiro district, examining people’s knowledge and perceptions about sustainability of forests, establishing the effect of forest management initiatives on sustainability of forests, identifying the major challenges encountered in promoting forest management for sustainability of forests and assessing the current measures of addressing the challenges to forest management in a bid to promote sustainability of forests. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design and targeted district forestry and environment officials, local residents, local leaders (LC II-III) and environment committee representatives at local councils II & III in Isingiro district. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Questionnaire and interviews were used as a data collection method. Data analysis used descriptive statistics in form of frequency and percentages while data from primary source particularly interview guide was compared, validated and confirmed with data from secondary sources. The key stakeholders involved in promoting forest management were mainly community members, environment committee members and local leaders. Majority respondents perceived forest management as increasing use of alternative energy sources to free the existing forests from being exploited. Most of the respondents established that majority had positive attitude towards forest management and perceive forests as helping in rainfall formation. It was further established that forest management has promoted sustainability of forests in the district through gazetting forest premises, existing forests being carefully monitored and proper land management being maintained. Sustainability of forests was being hindered by Limited resources for implementing forest management policies and negative perceptions towards forest management. Promoting sustainability of forests in Isingiro district is an enormous work that requires concerted efforts from all the different stakeholders. There is need to increase funding in the forestry department to enable the planners make plans and enforce them at up to the community level.