This context analysis study was conducted in Laikipia County. It targets policymakers both at county and national levels, practitioners and relevant stakeholders implementing restoration projects on the need to have a sound understanding of the context to help design the appropriate interventions in Laikipia County.
Tag: fuelwood
Ecological scales and use rights: the use of multiagent systems
The interactions between natural forest dynamics have to be taken into account when managing the use of forest resources. Simulation models were developed to improve the understanding of this complex system of interactions. Models of multi agent systems are effective tools for studying the dynamics of complex adaptive systems. Several simulation models were developed to study the use of forest resources. This paper presents a model designed to understand the interaction between fuel wood consumption and landscape dynamics. The hypothesis put forward suggests that fuel wood consumption can explain the landscape changes that occur in the Kayanza region of Burundi. The second hypothesis is that a sustainable use of resource must keep steady the fuel wood consumption level per capita over time. A preliminary map was outlined.
Refugee women grow trees to protect people and forests in northwest Uganda
This study explores the impact of deforestation in refugee settlements, particularly on women, who are often the primary collectors of firewood. The research highlights the dual role that women play as both victims of environmental degradation and agents of change. Through the case of Charity, a South Sudanese refugee, the study showcases how refugee women are taking the initiative to address the issue by planting trees and creating sustainable solutions to meet their energy and building material needs. Charity’s efforts reflect a broader movement where women, often marginalized in environmental decision-making, are leading community-based programs to conserve natural resources and protect their welfare.
Séquestration du carbone et provision d’autres services écosystémiques des parcs agroforestiers à karité au Burkina Faso [Carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services provided by shea-tree agroforestry parks in Burkina Faso]
Shea-tree agroforestry parks play a crucial role in climate mitigation and ecosystem services in West Africa, yet their carbon sequestration potential remains poorly documented. This study assesses the contribution of shea-tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) agroforestry parks in Burkina Faso, using household surveys and field inventories across three phytogeographical sectors. Findings indicate that over 89% of surveyed households have shea trees in their fields, which provide fuelwood, timber, improve soil fertility, and help control erosion. Tree density varies from 32 to 45 individuals per hectare, with an average height of 7.93 meters and a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 31.9 cm. Above-ground biomass estimates range from 15.5 to 42.8 Mg/ha, averaging 25.7 Mg/ha or 12.8 Mg of carbon per hectare. The study highlights the significant carbon sequestration potential of these agroforestry systems, though benefits vary based on tree DBH and regional factors. Notably, all surveyed trees had a DBH greater than 24 cm, indicating a lack of young trees and an urgent need for regeneration through assisted natural regeneration, planting, or a combination of both.
Does communal forest intervention management enhance forest benefits of smallholder farmers? Evidence from Hugumbirda forest, Tigray, Ethiopia
Forest rehabilitation activities within centrally controlled state-owned forests in Ethiopia could not deliver communities with increased income. A study aiming to assess the benefits of forests for smallholder farmers whose land falls close to the state forest was conducted in Hugumbirda and Endedo kebele, two villages located adjacent to the Hugumbirda forest. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 251 randomly selected households living near or adjacent to the state forest. A logit model was used to analyze factors affecting household’s willingness to scale up forests at the communal level. Most of the respondents living near or adjacent to the national forest were found to be dependent on the forest for fuelwood and therefore energy, timber products, and farming equipment. Furthermore, households were found to perceive that communal intervention management is a significant factor in attempts to further scale up forests. Scale-up of forests at the community was one option to enhance the vegetation cover and therefore increase primary production by promoting infiltration and decrease evaporation and runoff water. Finally farmers have suggested the state forest should be devolved to the community to improve the current level of forest contributions to the livelihood of smallholder farmers.