Investigation of potential sources of conflicts from joint forest management of the Ila Local Forest in Namwala, Zambia

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential sources of conflicts of Joint Forest Management in the Ila local forest, Namwala, Zambia. Joint Forest Management was implemented with the intention of involving local communities in the management of forest resources. Although these policies were intended to devolve the control and responsibilities of the state agencies to the local communities in management of the forest resources, the results showed that communities did not participate fully as they were left only with a role of consultation and conducting forest patrols with little or no incentives. Primary data was obtained through the use of questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions and observations. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered and 7 interview guides were administered on the stakeholders; namely, NGOs, CBO and some government agencies.  Data was analysed using SPSS and presented in form of tables, graphs and pie charts. The study revealed that the illegal forest activities had increased with the introduction of JFM while the livelihoods of the local community did not improve. Subsequently, the lack of benefits and decision making power by the community over management of the forest resources made it impossible for them to appreciate the programme, and instead opted to continue with the illegal forest activities. There was little or no participation of all stakeholders in the programme leading to unsustainable forestry management. The study concludes that the conflicts surrounding the implementation of JFM in Zambia if not addressed would make it difficult to achieve the intended objectives of the approach.

Keywords: Joint Forest Management, Decentralisation, Stakeholder Involvement