**1.1 Status of forest resources in Uganda**

Currently, there are about 4.9 million hectares of forest in Uganda (24% of the present total land area) (National Biomass Study, 2003). The forest resources comprise areas classified as savannah woodland (80.5%), natural forest (tropical high forest, 18.7%) and less than 1% of forest plantations. The existing natural forests on private land and in government reserves, together with the on-farm tree resources are the major focus of the National Forest Plan (NFP), with particular reference to decentralisation of forest management (MWLE, 2002). In terms of land ownership, 70% of the forest area is on private and customary land, while 30% is in the permanent forest estate (PFE), such as Forest Reserves (central and local), National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Of the PFE's 1,881,000 ha, 1,145,000 ha (60.9%), is managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) as Central Forest Reserves (CFRs), 5,000 ha (0.3%) is controlled by District Forestry Services (DFS) of local governments as Local Forest Reserves (LFRs) and 731,000 ha (38.8%) is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The majority of private forests are woodlands, and are being depleted rapidly due to restrictions on harvesting of wood and wood products from gazetted protected areas (Jacovelli & Carvalho, 1999). A huge dependency (>90%) on fuelwood from the rapidly increasing population is clearly accelerating the problem.

## **1.2 The principles of CFM**

According to Scott (2000), CFM must be flexible and responsive to the inputs and participation of all the parties. CFM is guided by the following principles: (a) it should be implemented by the authorities and departments responsible for forest management. CFM must be initiated and implemented by the Forest Department (FD) in partnership with other interested parties. It should be seen as an approach towards management, not as something outsiders are imposing; (b) sustainable forest management is the major objective. Sustainable forest management is the long term aim of CFM, and as much as we try to meet other aims, such as fair benefits to both partners and equity in benefit sharing within the community, this key objective is paramount; (c) the focus is not on the output but rather on how the output is arrived at. For example, the end products of negotiations are an agreement and management plan. However, the important thing is not the documents, but

peoples' livelihoods around Protected Areas (PAs) are critical in sustainable forest management. Information is also lacking to show whether CFM has improved the condition of the forest by way of controlled illegal forest access, yet this information is essential for strengthening both the CFM policy development and implementation in Uganda. Due to entrenched power structures within both government institutions and communities, it is not easy to promote social justice and sustainable livelihoods through. Overall, mechanisms of CFM are diversifying, reflecting a greater recognition of the need for partnerships in forest

This chapter analyses the reviews Uganda's experience in CFM to date Benefits, Strengths, Implementation Challenges and Future Directions in Uganda. It identifies a number of possible strategies and makes recommendations on how to improve CFM. The analysis done in this chapter may be used to improve or re-arrange the idea about participatory Forestry Management not only in Uganda but also in other countries with

Currently, there are about 4.9 million hectares of forest in Uganda (24% of the present total land area) (National Biomass Study, 2003). The forest resources comprise areas classified as savannah woodland (80.5%), natural forest (tropical high forest, 18.7%) and less than 1% of forest plantations. The existing natural forests on private land and in government reserves, together with the on-farm tree resources are the major focus of the National Forest Plan (NFP), with particular reference to decentralisation of forest management (MWLE, 2002). In terms of land ownership, 70% of the forest area is on private and customary land, while 30% is in the permanent forest estate (PFE), such as Forest Reserves (central and local), National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Of the PFE's 1,881,000 ha, 1,145,000 ha (60.9%), is managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) as Central Forest Reserves (CFRs), 5,000 ha (0.3%) is controlled by District Forestry Services (DFS) of local governments as Local Forest Reserves (LFRs) and 731,000 ha (38.8%) is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The majority of private forests are woodlands, and are being depleted rapidly due to restrictions on harvesting of wood and wood products from gazetted protected areas (Jacovelli & Carvalho, 1999). A huge dependency (>90%) on fuelwood from the rapidly increasing population is clearly

According to Scott (2000), CFM must be flexible and responsive to the inputs and participation of all the parties. CFM is guided by the following principles: (a) it should be implemented by the authorities and departments responsible for forest management. CFM must be initiated and implemented by the Forest Department (FD) in partnership with other interested parties. It should be seen as an approach towards management, not as something outsiders are imposing; (b) sustainable forest management is the major objective. Sustainable forest management is the long term aim of CFM, and as much as we try to meet other aims, such as fair benefits to both partners and equity in benefit sharing within the community, this key objective is paramount; (c) the focus is not on the output but rather on how the output is arrived at. For example, the end products of negotiations are an agreement and management plan. However, the important thing is not the documents, but

management.

similar situations.

accelerating the problem.

**1.2 The principles of CFM** 

**1.1 Status of forest resources in Uganda** 

rather the process of negotiation that produced them. The output will be as strong or weak as the process that led to it; (d) there must be real and complete participation of all partners from the beginning. If other stakeholders are to be partners, then they must be involved in all decisions. It is not real participation if you go to the other partners and start to discuss management if a large proportion of the decisions have already been made without them; (e) the process takes time, ''rapid'' is never ''participatory''. If the process is rushed, it will not give the other party the chance to fully participate. This approach is new for the community and the FD, they will need time to adjust and feel comfortable in their new roles; (f) It should result in a fair deal for all parties. If the FD expects considerable benefits from CFM, then they should not be surprised if the other parties also expect considerable benefits. The natural tendency is to give what you get; (g) it must result in a fair distribution of benefits. In addition to ensuring a fair distribution of benefits between the community and the FD, it is vital that the benefits from CFM are shared fairly within the community; (h) flexibility is very important in CFM. The FD must be open minded, and go into the process with a clear understanding of their own objective but a fully open regarding how these objectives can be satisfied through collaboration; (i) responsibilities agreed through CFM must be appropriate. It is important during negotiations that the different partners agree to the responsibility that are appropriate. One partner will not be able to do everything. It is most beneficial if both parties take on responsibilities that maximize their capacity; (j) it should address the real issues. In order for CFM to work, it must address real issues both on the side of the FD and on the side of other partners. It should be tackled head on and a solution sought that suits both parties. Compromise on both sides will be essential; (k) it must offer long term security. In order to adopt a long-term perspective to the management of forests, both partners must be sure of their long-term security to rights and benefits; (l) all interest groups must be involved. Everybody within the community with an interest in the forest must be involved during the process of arriving at an agreement. If they are not involved in decision making that affects their lives, they are unlikely to respect and abide by the agreement and management plan; (m) agreements should be arrived at through consensus. The majority of the population must be in agreement with the decisions if they are to abide by them and be enforced by them. It is, therefore, critical to gain consensus to the greatest possible extent.
