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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2013

Community based forest groups in Eastern and Southern Africa - a study of prospects for capacity improvement

Johansson, Karl-Erik; Nantongo, Christine; Gondo, Peter; Roos, Anders; Kleinschmit, Daniela

Abstract

Community-based forest groups (CBFGs) were developed in eastern and southern Africa based on the assumption that natural resources are best managed by the communities who depend on them. However, many CBFGs have not met expectations due to internal weaknesses and external obstacles. This study describes the current status of CBFGs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia; identifies drivers and barriers for developing CBFGs; and generates insights about how barriers are best addressed. The report combines case studies of 11 CBFGs and a verification workshop. Several factors suggest that the development of CBFGs in the region has been positive, including a high membership; strong commitment; basic operational skills; the growth of local, regional and international markets; and infrastructure improvements. Impediments to CBFG success include inappropriate registration of the organisations, insecure access rights, weak leadership and organisational capacities, limited resources, weak market access and limited entrepreneurial and value adding capacity. This study concludes by suggesting measures to improve the future development of CBFGs in the region.

Keywords

community forestry; co-management; forest user groups; natural forest; resources and capacities

Published in

International Forestry Review
2013, Volume: 15, number: 4, pages: 471-488
Publisher: COMMONWEALTH FORESTRY ASSOC

      SLU Authors

      • Roos, Anders

        • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
        • Kleinschmit, Daniela

          • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

        Sustainable Development Goals

        SDG9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure

        UKÄ Subject classification

        Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

        Publication identifier

        DOI: https://doi.org/10.1505/146554813809025720

        Permanent link to this page (URI)

        https://res.slu.se/id/publ/55985