Utilization of Forest Resources and Socio-Economic Development in Uukolonkadhi Community Forest of Namibia

Abstract

The project for community forest of Namibia has a mandate to ensure that rural communities manage and utilize forest resources sustainably in order to promote socio‑economic development. Despite the absence of true forests from Namibia, which makes it difficult for timber industry to grow, there is still an abundance of non‑timber forest products in Namibian forests. This research aimed at assessing the monetary value of non‑timber forest products in Uukolonkadhi Community Forest. The research covered the period of five production years. The value of nine selected non‑timber forest products was given in monetary terms. The results reveal that there is a potential to generate monetary income from community forests products. However, due to erratic climatic conditions, there are fluctuations in the income generation, most especially from the products that are directly dependent on the rainfall. Harvesting permits for poles was observed to be the main source of income. Some of the major observed challenges facing the project of community forest were the high level of illiteracy among the management staff. Therefore, it is of vital importance that more qualified foresters and forestry technicians are hired and allocated to all community forests. Furthermore, adequate funds are needed from the government and donors to support incentives and forest activities in community forests.