Abstract:
This study was designed with the aim of establishing a comprehensive picture of the problems
and needs of local communities in upholding sustainable livelihoods in the face of forest
ecosystem degradation and recommending how their livelihoods may be improved in the short
and long term. Thus make them self-reliant by enhancing their resilience. Study Methodology:
included a literature review and a household survey for a total of 443 household interviews. In
addition, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted
with the rural population and other stakeholders respectively. Field visits were made to all the 8
pilot sites in the two districts (Serenje and Chitambo), central province of Zambia. The main
constrain of sustainable livelihood in the communities, included, low levels of education and
skills, low levels of asset holding, weak local institutions and unfavourable legal and institutional
frameworks. But the respondents registered a wide variety of NTFPs based livelihoods obtained
from forests resources (15). Most important usage includes land for cultivation, fuel wood, poles
for construction, charcoal production and use of NTFPS (collection of mushrooms, wild fruits
and nuts, caterpillars, honey production and medicinal plants). The livelihood activities remains
largely subsistence and for safety net functions. Trade resulting into incomes generation is
minimal, unstructured and therefore unsustainable. In conclusion: commercialization of NTFPS
and PES activities may be the solution to sustainable livelihood and forest conservation. A range
of specifically forest sector elements would also need to be addressed, including,
entrepreneurship, market and skill development for forest product and services delivery;
embracing these elements will also require new kinds of enhanced institutional arrangement.. |
