Key drivers of LULCC in co-managed and governmentmanaged forest reserves in Malawi (1999–2018)
Interventions through co-management (CM) and government-management (GM) for forest reserves can mitigate degradation and deforestation. Few studies have investigated the driving forces of Land Use/Cover Change (LULCC) using Remote sensing and socioeconomic data to assess the impact
of management strategies on woodlands. This study investigated factors influencing LULCC in two co-managed and two governmentmanaged forest reserves (FR) between 1999 and 2018 in Malawi. Images from the Environment for Analysing Images and data from respondents representing 30% of the communities
surrounding four FR were analysed in SPSS. Woodland loss to grassland, agriculture was observed in Liwonde CM, Kaning'ina and Thambani GM FR. Communities' perceptions confirmed woodland conversion. Population increases and poverty exacerbated agriculture and wood energy use. Up-scaling CM
requires improved empowerment processes and capacity building. There is a need to curb corruption, monitor licensing, and develop forest plans and law enforcement in GM FR. Promoting geospatial and socioeconomic analysis tools will enhance forest monitoring.
Keywords: CO-MANAGEMENT; DRIVERS; GOVERNMENT-MANAGEMENT; LAND USE/COVER; MIOMBO WOODLAND
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: Forest Science Postgraduate Programme, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa 2: Department of Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, Middledrift, 5685, Eastern Cape, P.O. Box 2187, King Williams Town, 5600, South Africa
Publication date: 01 March 2022
- The International Forestry Review is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes original research and review papers on all aspects of forest policy and science, with an emphasis on issues of transnational significance. It is published four times per year, in March, June, September and December. Theme editions are a regular feature and attract a wide audience.
The IFR is part of The Global Forest Information Service - GFIS
International Forestry Review has an Impact Factor of 1.705 - Editorial Board
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