**3.6 Streamlining service provider activities in all NFA management ranges**

According to the NFA field staff, the relationship between the service providers so far has been cordial. However, there is need to stream line the activities of the NGOs providing services to the communities so that resources and benefits are equitably shared among the

Collaborative Forest Management in Uganda:

communities.

forest resource managers.

from time to time.

Benefits, Implementation Challenges and Future Directions 71

iii. Currently, CFM is mainly undertaken by the National Forestry Authority. It is recommended that CFM is implemented by the District Forest Services and Private Forest owners. The PEAP recommends facilitation of the District Forest Services to undertake its activities (including CFM). It is recommended that this is implemented. This will not only improve forestry activities in the districts but also build their capacity

iv. Government should finalize guidelines for registration and declaration of Community and Private Forests to allay the anxiety arising from communities interested in registering CFs and individuals interested in registering their private forests. This will also provide the District Land Boards, the District Council and the Minister to provide

v. There is a need for advocacy work to advocate for the transfer of property rights and control of resources to communities who would like to become owners, and users of forest resources. This means that there is need to build a strong case to demonstrate that communities are capable of managing the resources regardless of the scepticism of

vi. There is sufficient information that needs to be packaged and disseminated to the communities. An effort needs to be made to translate such information into vernacular

vii. There is need for Responsible bodies to translate CFM Agreements into vernacular languages local in the area where the Agreement is to be undertaken. This is to provide an opportunity for the community to be able to comprehend the contents of the agreement and avoid manipulation by unscrupulous CFM leaders. It is further recommended that each member should also be provided with own copy for reference

viii. Whereas the 10 years of a CFM Agreement is tagged to the 10 years of the forest management plan, it is recommended that this period be revised to allow for projects

ix. Affirmative action needs to be taken into account to streamline gender and equity issues in CFM Agreements. Special sensitisation meetings for women, the elderly and other vulnerable groups need to be undertaken so as to empower such groups to be able to negotiate and make informed decisions. This is the only way to allow for equal

x. There is need for grassroots networks of civil societies/NGOs/CBOs that will provide a forum for to fight for participatory forest management issues at forest reserve level. This will also help develop both the capacity of communities to implement collaborative approaches, providing conducive climate for community and private forests, building the capacity of "Responsible Bodies" to implement such approaches xi. It is important for central government to improve the budget allocation for CFM implementation under the PEAP/NAADS and within the Environment and Natural Resources Sector. It is also important that Local Governments provide necessary

to undertake collaborative forest management approach.

guidance and speed up the process of registration of the forests.

languages understood by communities in the different regions.

that require a much longer time - e.g. tree planting.

participation, fairness and sharing of benefits.

to provide guidance on CFM implementation, NFA to step up its manpower and resources for collaborative initiatives and the DFS to pilot CFM. It is also recommended that government undertakes to establish Forestry Committees provided for in the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act. These Committees will provide a forum to discuss collaborative forestry issues with due consideration of the needs of the

communities. For example: (a) the NGOs should reinforce and complement each other rather than seeing themselves as competitors. The most important thing in the end is delivery of services to the target group, the communities; (b) the NFA field staff is of the opinion that all the service providers and NFA should develop a joint work plan for CFM implementation; (c) the service providers can, within the period of their projects, build and shape partnerships with each other and NFA and develop a joint programme of action on common themes e.g. support to income generating activities, exchange visits, training etc.
