Socio-cultural factors in forestry utilisation in Mabira forest, Buikwe District

Abstract

This study explored the socio-cultural factors in forestry utilisation in Mabira forest, Buikwe district. The aim is to inform the government in coming up with policies that can guide community participation in forestry conservation, and in assisting the forestry administration in sustainable forest utilization in Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to examine the different uses and benefits that local communities obtain from Mabira forest; to identify the socio-cultural factors that influence community utilization of the forest; and to establish the attitudes of the community towards forest conservation. A descriptive research design using mixed methods was used to collect data. In particular a survey was conducted with 192 participants. In addition, 5 key informants’ interviews and 4 Focus Group Discussions were conducted. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 24 while Qualitative data was analysed using content and thematic analysis. The results revealed that both the community and the government benefit from the forest by appropriating products such as herbal medicine, wood fuel, rain water harvesting, eco-tourism and foods such as fruits, mushrooms and wild game, among others. However, community held negative perception about forest conservation. This could be attributed due to lack of awareness about sustainable forest used. Many of the participants were youths who depend on the forests as their main source of livelihoods. Therefore, there is need to create awareness among communities on effective forest and sustainable forest management. There is also need for continued involvement of all stakeholders in forest conservation in order to fight deforestation and land degradation