An assessment of the drivers of informal logging and timber trade in and around Maramagabo forest reserve, Rukungiri district.

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing drivers of informal logging and timber trade in and around south Maramagambo Central Forest Reserve (MCFR) in Bwambara sub-county Rukungiri district. The overall objective of the study was to contribute to the understanding of direct and indirect drivers of informal logging and timber trade activities in MCFR. The specific objectives of the study were to: map out the actors involved; assess factors motivating informal logging and timber trade among adjacent communities and actors; and assess the effects of informal logging and timber trade on the status of the forest. Data was collected from a survey of 40 respondents identified through snowballing, twenty key informant interviews and guided field walks. Data was entered, coded and analyzed through using SPSS. Narrative analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. It was found out that the main actors were people without land, the Bakiga, local community members, local politicians and commercial timber dealers. Poverty, increased timber demand and political interference were the main motivating factors. A chi-square analysis showed that actors were not significantly motivated by any of the motivating variables (p>0.005). Informal logging and timber trade reduced the number of medium sized trees, seedlings and increased canopy gaps. Lovoa trichiliodes was the most declining tree species due to absence of enrichment planting. It was concluded that limited income alternatives and political interference were the major drivers of informal logging and timber trade in and around MCFR. The study recommended that relevant government authorities should avail more funds and logistics to restore, protect and allow natural regeneration of the forest so as to reduce drivers of informal logging from the forest.