Forest Resource Management Project

Forest Resource Management Project

High population density has resulted in degradation of forest resources in Luapula and North-western provinces. Fragile forest environments are particularly vulnerable to increases in population and the consequent pressure on resources. Forest users tend to deplete resources without realizing their product's full economic potential because they lack appropriate harvesting and processing skills, as well as access to markets. The objective of this project is to improve incomes for poor people who depend on forest resources for their livelihood, while ensuring that the forest environment is protected and the present trend of rapid depletion is reversed. In the long term the project will provide a sustainable income base for poor rural communities within the target area. Project goals include:

• increasing productivity and marketing access
• revitalizing trade through rehabilitation of access roads and social infrastructure
• developing institutions and systems for communal or joint management and preservation of forest areas, and for knowledge-sharing about sustainable forest use
• improving shared resources such as water supply, sanitation, health centres and schools

The project also helps farmers and local groups develop sustainable income-generating activities through improved harvesting, processing and marketing of forest products. In particular it provides extension and training related to bee-keeping and marketing of honey products, and it offers training in the harvesting, replanting and processing of bamboo, rattan and other forest products. Activities include development of small manufacturing enterprises and promotion of better marketing arrangements for bamboo and rattan products.

Source: IFAD