| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to assess the role DFS in the management and use of forestry resources in Luwero district. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the various activities and services provided to people by DFS, determine local people’s awareness about the roles of DFS and to determine the challenges DFS face in execution of their roles and responsibilities.
The study adopted a qualitative case study research design where the target population was local people of Luwero district. The study used a non-probability sampling technique to identify the sample. Purposive sampling was used to select sub counties within Luwero district. The researcher sampled 88 random respondents and five key informants to provide in depth information on the role of DFS in the management and use of forestry resources in Luwero district using the following methods; key informant interviews, farm walks, observation, semi structured interviews, review of secondary sources and FGDs. Data was collected using questionnaires, checklists for forest walks and interview guides for key informant interviews. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and content analysis for quantitative and qualitative data respectively.
The study established that numerous activities and services are provided to local people by DFS in Luwero district like tree planting and environmental awareness. The study also revealed that the local people of Luwero district are aware about the existence and roles of DFS. The study further established that the local people are interested in the services and activities promoted by DFS. Finally, the study revealed that there are a number of challenges that DFS in execution of their roles and responsibilities like limited financial resources, insecure land and tree tenure, inadequate staff to manage forestry, unclear chain of command between forestry staff and local councils and possible solutions were also suggested by the local people.
The study made recommendations to all stakeholders involved in forest resource use and management that is to the academia, policy makers, local people, the local and central government. However, the study emphasized the need for the central government to avail more resources to local governments to ensure efficiency in regulating and monitoring forests in Luwero district and maintaining the conditions of forests in Uganda at large. | |
