Forestry issues and conservation in Uganda

This paper reviews current trends in the policy and use of Uganda's forestry resource. Deforestation significantly exceeds reafforestation. A diverse indigenous flora of hundreds of tree species is being replaced with 4-5 exotic tree species, having potentially adverse effects on the ecology and severely limiting options for future development. Although immediate causes of deforestation can be related to short-term exploitation, the ultimate cause of this imbalance is unsustainable human population growth. Forest management policy is evaluated with particular attention given to objectives and methods of natural forest exploitation. It is argued that Uganda's natural forests represent a unique genetic and natural resource with the potential to serve many interest groups and supply many benefits through sustainable and non-destructive uses. The present management practice, however, caters primarily to only two inerest groups, namely the timber and the charcoal and fuelwood industries. Under current policy, which encourages rehabilitation of sawmills and mechanised exploitation of the natural forest, other interest groups and values of the forest are not given due consideration. Suggestions are offered for a management plan that gives primary consideration to non-destructive low-impact uses of the natural forest, and for a more effective programme of reafforestation. Planted woodlots and tree plantations would become the major sources of wood products, leaving the natural forests intact to provide other services not involving destructive harvesting. It is proposed that the role of Uganda's Forest Department be re-evaluated accordingly. Reafforestation programmes in progress and planned for the future are examined. It is cincluded that unless a far greater segment of the general population is involved in these programmes, they are likely to be of very limited value in meeting Uganda's fuelwood needs. The importance of energy conservation is discussed and it is concluded that nationwide improvement of 10% efficiency in fuelwood use would be twice as effective in dealing with the fuelwood crisis as all existing and planned reafforestation projects combined. Assistance from international aid agencies is also discussed, with a plea for appropriate and self-sustaining programmes based on long-term ecological planning. © 1987.

Duke Scholars

Author Thomas T Struhsaker Evolutionary Anthropology