Evaluation of Participatory Forest Management and its Contribution to Communities in Zambia

Abstract

Participatory forest management is a key fact to forest conservation, and it contribute to the economy of the country in diverse options. This fact is possible but difficult due to conflicts between management objectives and the livelihood needs of local communities. This is particularly true in forest management for third world countries like Zambia, where rural populations depend directly on forest resources, which are in many cases protected. The past forest management strategies in Zambia did not allow participation of local communities in the management of forest reserves and sharing of benefits. Few years ago (1998 and 1999), the Zambia forest sector was reviewed, and people have been allowed to take part in forest management and share the derived benefits.

This study is an evaluation of Participatory Forests Management and its contribution to the communities in Zambia. This was done through a quantitative and qualitative ethnographic approach employing individual interviews, focused group discussions, and observations. The target groups included forest communities living around forest re-serves as well as government forestry officials at both local and national levels. The study was based on nature-culture theory, knowledge systems theory as well as the participatory approach. Data collected were analysed mathematically and statistically by using SPSS software

The results showed that more people (68%) of the respondents were aware of participatory forest management and almost more of them (71%) participated in forest management activities. Participation of men in community forest management group activities was higher than women. Local community members with traditional leaders and the government collaborate to manage forest reserves. A small percentage of local people confirmed having improvement in household socioeconomic conditions after the introduction of participatory forest management (PFM) program, and the majority perceive the Forestry Department and government to be the major beneficiary from forest reserves. There is a loss of enthusiasm for forest management among local people largely due to the insufficient of economic benefits and competition of other economic activities.

However, the relationship between local people and Forestry Department is good. It is recommended that the government through Forestry Department should continue to improve public awareness on participatory forest management program by sensitisation and regulations setting to increase the understanding of the stakeholders and to help them become more involved in forest management. The value of the forest also needs to be enhanced to increase benefit for the local people and long-term conservation.