Forest Users Research Articles

A Critical Examination of the Legal Standards for the Exploitation of Timber Resources: Encumbrances and Prospects for Forest Sustainability in Cameroon

The forest of Cameroon which is located in western equatorial Africa is central to economic growth and development and livelihood sustainability. Forests play three important functions: They provide habitat for the preservation of biodiversity; act as carbon sinks; and contribute to maintaining and enhancing the quality of the soil. Furthermore, forest is a source for nutrition and generates income for the state. Recently the demand for forest products by loggers and other forest users for the production of timber, fuel wood, and charcoal have been on the rise. Illegalities in the forest sector is fast becoming worrisome with incidents of illegal logging at the forefront and visible on every angle, beginning with illegal loggers to the corrupt government officials. Illegal logging is a chain of activities, beginning with the unclear allocation of concession rights, inappropriate felling of wood, transportation and marketing of the illegally exploited wood. The major cause of this has led to over exploitation of the forest in order to meet local and international demands. This further has an adverse effect on the forest as species are gradually disappearing, a change of climate, pollution, soil depletion, and a breach of local community’s right to forest. To this respect, our objective is to analyze the legislative instruments and their consistency or efficacy in regulating logging activities, and the encumbrances faced. To achieve these objectives we made use of both doctrinal and analytical research methodology with primary and secondary sources of information as the main tools. We observed that, the forest is under serious threat from adverse human activities, especially illegal logging encourage by factors such as corruption, ineffective forest legislations, and lack of consistency amongst others. In the light of the above mentioned huddles we proffered some recommendations such as beefing up enforcement procedure, minimizing corruption, an increase in the sanction against defaulters, reducing the procedure to obtain exploitation permit, reforming, harmonization and codification of the forest law which will serve as a way forward.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Technology Stimuli on Sustainable Consumption Behavior: Evidence from Ant Forest Users in China.

With the global economy and population growing rapidly, the problems of excessive resource consumption and environmental pollution have become increasingly serious. Thus, the need to promote sustainable development has become more urgent. Sustainable consumption behavior plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals as it can significantly reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. Artificial intelligence technology has broken the limitations of time and space in environmental protection. For example, the Ant Forest leverages the design of "green energy" to inspire the public to engage in energy-saving and emission-reducing activities. To examine the impact mechanisms of customers' sustainable consumption behavior, this study applies the stimulus-organism-response theory and the theory of planned behavior. The study conducts regression analysis and bootstrapping methods on a sample consisting of 280 Ant Forest users to explore the influence of artificial intelligence technology stimuli on sustainable consumption behavior and the mediating effects of customer-perceived value and customer stickiness. The results demonstrate a "linkage effect" between online green consumption habits and offline sustainable consumption behavior. Moreover, the study finds that passion and usability indirectly promote offline sustainable consumption behavior through customer-perceived value and customer stickiness. Specifically, the influence of customer-perceived emotional value (β = 0.121; β = 0.100) is stronger than that of customer-perceived social value (β = 0.043; β = 0.038). Due to the limitation of the sample size, future research should broaden its scope by incorporating additional variables, specifically customer-specific factors. Furthermore, more advanced research methods, such as big data analysis, should be employed to comprehensively explore the influencing factors of sustainable consumer behavior.

Impacts of Earthquake and Earthquake-induced Disasters on Community Forests in Nepal

Managing the commons is a challenging issue during crisis such as earthquakes. We considered four community forests, two from Gorkha and one from each of Dolakha and Sindupalchowk districts that were major earthquake affected areas. The study made use of ecological and socioeconomic survey techniques to assess the impacts of earthquake on community forests and management status of those forests. We calculated density of seedling, sapling and tree species and diameter size distribution of trees. We also analysed the forest status changes before and after the earthquake events and distribution of timber and fire wood in the community forest user groups. Seedling, sapling and adult trees number wise regeneration status of trees was good in all the studied forest whereas DBH size class diagram were bell shaped indicating unsustainable regeneration. Most of the respondents reported poor forest management after the earthquake and wood distribution has drastically increased after the earthquake 2015. From this study it is recommended that community forest management practices should be resilient to disasters and prepare alternative solutions to lower the pressure on forest products so as to maintain sustainable regeneration of forest trees and regular supplies of resources in future.

Assessment of the Role of Leasehold Forest in Livelihood Improvement in Gorkha District, Nepal

The leasehold forestry aims to free the poor from a complicated cycle of poverty by institutionalizing and manipulating the local resources. This study is based on the structured and semi-structured questionnaire and an examination of both published and unpublished records. The study was carried out in 283 Leasehold Forest User Groups (LHFUGs) of the Gorkha district representing 8 different clusters. This study makes a clear effort to identify livelihood improvement in the Gorkha district through leasehold forest by taking into consideration livelihood assets (natural, physical, human, financial, and social). The condition of livelihood capitals in the study area was examined using a judgmental scoring technique that looked at the changes that occurred in five different capitals. Three indicators have been used for each of the assets and scores; +1, -1, and 0 were given to represent improved, degraded, and remained unchanged respectively. A spider web diagram was used to express the change. The results depicted that Chepang, Gurung, and Magar are the predominant indigenous peoples who benefited from the LHF. The result showed the constructive impact of the leasehold forestry program on each asset. The social, physical, human, natural and financial capital received an average total score of 0.778, 0.951, 0.748, 0.589, and 0.722 respectively. The most notable accomplishments were construction and access to the physical capitals including the effectiveness of constructions and advancement of knowledge about community development. Better-managed natural resources can help achieve both conservation and livelihood options.

Young Generations’ Perception of the Role of Deadwood in Forests: Comparison between Italy and Türkiye

The recreational value of a forest is related to the degree of naturalness that can be measured by considering qualitative and quantitative characteristics of deadwood and habitat trees. Forest user groups’ knowledge and opinions towards forest naturalness can support decision-makers in defining strategies. Among user groups, the literature shows a knowledge gap regarding the new generations’ perceptions and opinions related to biodiversity conservation. The aim of this study is to investigate young generations’ perception and preferences towards deadwood in forests. A questionnaire was developed and administrated online—in Italy and Türkiye—to a sample of university students under 25 years old. A total of 407 questionnaires (187 in Italy and 220 in Türkiye) were collected and processed. The results show that students from both countries have a high level of knowledge of deadwood and its role in forests. Most respondents perceive standing dead trees in forests to be aesthetically negative, while large lying deadwood is perceived as aesthetically positive. The attention of young generations towards issues related to biodiversity conservation is confirmed by the significance given in both countries to the management strategy that closely aligns with natural processes of mortality in undisturbed forests, where deadwood is allowed to remain without removal.

Implementation of payment for forest environmental services and its influence on the livelihood of ethnic minorities in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam

Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) is considered a major breakthrough in socializing the forestry sector by transferring money from forest resource users to the local communities in charge of forest protection activities. This paper aims to elucidate the PFES implementation in Thua Thien Hue Province, and to assess the influence of the PFES on the livelihood of forest protectors, especially ethnic minorities. We interviewed 133 out of 397 households in two villages in Hong Kim commune, divided into two different groups: Forest protection groups (FPG) and Non-forest protection groups (NFPG). Our study indicated that the success in negotiating and expanding the number of service users has increased the forest area covered by the PFES for seven years. Nonetheless, revenue from PFES still fluctuates from year to year due to their great dependence on a limited number of service users. PFES payment (only 2%) did not contribute significantly to the total income of forest protector households. Interestingly, both monetary and non-monetary values seem to encourage local people to join the forest protection group. To better implement PFES, it is necessary to identify and expand service beneficiaries. Remote sensing technology improved PFES in TTH by aiding forest patrols, but there is a lack of maintaining forest quality during degradation, needing commitments to restore degraded forests and raise patrol accountability.

Urban Forest Recreation and Its Possible Role throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Urban forests provide benefits in terms of the environment and society. Many people living in urban areas could profit from the recreational services provided by urban forests to alleviate the physical and psychological stresses caused by closure restrictions during the COVID-19 epidemic. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of forest recreation during the COVID-19 lockdown to support future policy decisions regarding such dramatic circumstances. The study aims to investigate the frequency of visitors in the reference Training Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest Křtiny in Brno, Czech Republic, and to verify if the lockdown led to its intensified use, under the context of weather conditions. Data were collected using a Pyro Box Compact reader and TRAFx Infrared Trail Counter. Regression analysis was performed to determine whether individual weather factors significantly influenced the intensity of forest visitations before and during COVID-19. The number of visits in 2021 during the strict lockdown and post-lockdown periods was significantly higher during spring and autumn than in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The frequency pattern of forest users visibly changed in 2021, and the total number of visits was much higher, even though 2021 had worse weather than the reference years before the pandemic. The results show the recreational use and importance of the forest, especially during the pandemic. This work is a continuation of our previous research with regard to this area, which indicated the importance of forest recreational services for the well-being and health of city dwellers.

Influence of Settlement Activities on Sustainable Households’ Livelihoods of the Inhabitants in Mount Elgon Forest, Bungoma County, Kenya

Mount Elgon Forest has declined primarily due to anthropogenic activities. The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of settlement activities on sustainable household’s livelihoods of inhabitants in Mount Elgon Forest, Bungoma County, Kenya. This study used cross-sectional research design and mixed methodology. The target population was 12842 household heads, 4 ward administrators, 12 chiefs, 1 Kenya Forest service personnel and 1 NEMA official. A sample of 373 household heads, 4 ward administrators, 12 chiefs, 1 Kenya Forest Service Personnel and 1 NEMA official took part in the study. Questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data. Validity was determined by consulting supervisors while reliability was ascertained through piloting and use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, Standard deviation and Pearson Correlation analysis. Qualitative data was thematically classified and arranged before being reported in narrations and quotations. Analyzed data was presented using tables and figures. The study found a significant positive correlation between settlement activities and sustainable households’ livelihoods (r = .614; p = .000). It was recommended that there was a need to devise ways of reducing population density and land fragmentation leading to reduced dependency on forest products. The findings of the study will be crucial to professional bodies and institutions such as Kenya Forest service, Kenya wildlife service and NEMA in relooking at the approaches that enhance livelihoods among forest users and thus come up with strategies for effective management of forests improving on sustainable livelihoods.

Имитационное моделирование технологического процесса заготовки древесины на примере лесного харвестера

The purpose of the work is to create a computer model that allows to reproduce the technological process of logging, taking into account a huge number of various conditions that can affect the final result of the enterprise, to obtain the data necessary for making effective managerial and organizational decisions on labor standardization and the preparation of regulatory documentation. To do this, using the agent-based modeling method, a simulation model of the production process was created in the AnyLogic program. The functioning of the proposed model is carried out on the basis of significant statistical data on the most important characteristics of individual elements of the production process. The article demonstrates the possibilities of modeling technological schemes of work at the cutting site at the design stage of the technological map without the need for real felling of forest plantations. The diagram of the conditions of the harvester’s work is presented, embedded in the simulation model created by the authors, which allows the researcher to conduct a step-by-step analysis of the work of the logging machine. An information-logical detailing of all blocks of the harvester work state diagram is shown, which allows understanding the principle of analysis when clearing the site for a new working position, analyzing the availability of trees in apiaries, processing of tree trunks, taking into account all movements and organizational and technical downtime in the process of developing forest cuttings. The reader is presented with a graphical demonstration of the choice of trees available for felling, as well as an analysis of the situation for moving to a new working position of the harvester. The sequence of data entry into the model and the principles of fixing the scientific results obtained on the basis of modeling are outlined. The created simulation model will allow forest users to compare the options for the technological schemes of the harvester's movement along the forest cutting with the choice of the best organizational and management solutions; creation of labor standards and production standards for the development of forest cuttings in any natural and production conditions for any model of the harvester used, depending on the type of felling and the species and quality characteristics of the felled trees.

Behaviour change interventions to facilitate forest trail users’ biosecurity compliance

Natural resource management can struggle with increased visitation that inadvertently deteriorates the environment. In Aotearoa New Zealand, visitors to kauri forests are spreading a lethal soil pathogen resulting in cultural and conservation risk. While public awareness of kauri dieback disease is growing, compliance at hygiene stations has not similarly increased. To overcome this apparent knowledge-behaviour gap, five interventions (ambassadors, normative messaging, watching eye effect, hazard perception, and pledge board) were evaluated for their impact on visitor compliance with footwear/equipment cleaning behaviour. Behavioural observations (n = 10,536) and intercept surveys (n = 3,061) were collected. Ambassadors resulted in increased compliance for both visitors and local trail users. The pledge board resulted in increased compliance for local trail users only and normative message increased compliance at one visitor site. Hazard perception and watching eye resulted in a decrease in compliance behaviour. This research demonstrates the need for careful assessment of interventions designed to mitigate the impacts of visitors to conservation areas. The success of the ambassador intervention, the pledge board for locals and, to a lesser extent, the normative message at one location, offer field-based empirical evidence supporting the use of social norms in communication approaches aimed at influencing visitor behaviour in natural resource settings.

Popular but exclusive: How can lower socio-economic status groups win access to urban green spaces?

Territorial conflicts related to the use of urban green spaces typically result from conflicting preferences and institutions not being able to account for the equitable distribution of benefits. Our study focuses on the value conflicts and contestations around using an urban green space as a “social good” and the political processes of defining what makes it “good.” It investigates the institutional setting and the preferences of 415 forest users in a series of entertainment events organized in a large municipal forest (Lagiewniki) in Lodz, Poland. The low socio-economic status group benefited at the cost of the high socio-economic group, whose members typically chose to change their routes in the forest to avoid the nuisance related to these events. The fact that the lower socio-economic status group benefited seems to have been an unplanned side effect of leasing the deteriorating site (to reduce municipal costs) to a company that chose to pick a low-hanging fruit and not invest in developing the site but only cater to the less picky clientele. The local authorities responsible for leasing the site turned a blind eye to the various nuisances caused by these events and disregarded local conservation provisions. We put this case in the context of the “lumpengeography of capital” (Walker, 1978), which suggests that due to the relative scarcity of capital and the abundance of green spaces, some areas remain in a stage of disinvestment, perhaps only temporarily awaiting the next wave of capitalist redevelopment.

Framing REDD+: political ecology, actor–network theory (ANT), and the making of forest carbon markets

Abstract. This paper discusses the opportunities and challenges of integrating science and technology studies (STS), especially the variant based on actor–network theory (ANT), into fields of human geography with a critical research tradition. Drawing on the experiences of political ecology and empirical research on carbon markets, it uses the example of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) to show how the turn towards such STS impacts has changed the “framing” of REDD+: from analysing REDD+ as an example of the “neoliberalization of nature” and a focus on the impacts on human forest users to detailed accounts of infrastructures and practices of making markets. Discussing the consequences of these observations and different proposals brought forward to combine ANT with political ecology, the paper argues for a conscious and reflective use of ANT-inspired STS approaches to benefit from the additional insights this approach allows while keeping the critical potential of geography alive.

Sustainable use of forests

Sustainable use of forests

Assessment of Sustainability in Community Forests: A Study from Dolakha District, Nepal

Sustainability in community forest (CF) is a very important issue but study regarding this is limited in Nepal. Thus, this research study was objectively conducted to assess the sustainability index including socioeconomic contribution and biodiversity status of tree species in Simpani, Bolde Setidevi, and Kalobhir community forests of Dolakha district. A total of 83 sample plots were established to collect the biophysical data. The sustainability index for overall and individual criteria was assessed on the basis of scoring provided by the community forest user groups (CFUGs). The study showed that there were 87% Braman and Chhetri in Simpani CF and their representation was 91% in the executive committee, and similar status was seen in Bolde Setidevi and Kalobhir CFs. The highest number of households were 29 receiving benefits from the timber in 2016/17. They used roughly 164.9 m3 wood from Kalobhir CF. The highest total income was US$1495 in 2016/17 in Simpani CF, but expenditure was the highest, US$1817 in 2017/18, in Bolde Setidevi CF. There was 6308 regeneration per ha in Simpani CF but growing stock was the highest, 177.7 m3/ha, in Bolde Setidevi CF. The Shannon Wiener index was the highest, 0.92 ± 0.087, in Bolde Setidevi CF. One-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in values of the Shannon Wiener index and evenness index of the three community forests since p value is <0.05. The importance value index (IVI) value of Schima wallichi (63.51), Rhododendron species (48.61), and Tsuga dumosa (81.50) was found to be the highest in the Simpani, Bolde Setidevi, and the Kalobhir community forest, respectively. The overall sustainability index of Simpani, Bolde Setidevi, and Kalobhir CFs was found to be 0.61, 0.67, and 0.58, respectively. The score of extent of forest resource was found to be highest (0.82) in Bolde Setidevi CF and this score of institutional framework and governance was the lowest (0.52) in Kalobhir CF. This research study will be used to determine the sustainability in community forests.

Medicinal plants and their economic value in Kakamega Forest Ecosystem: A case study of sustainable land/forest project in Western Kenya

Forest Management of ecosystems plays a fundamental role in providing essential goods and services to rural communities. However, there has been a reduction in the natural forest cover due to resource utilization pressure. The pressure on forest resources is catalyzed by the expansion of markets for forest products, agricultural expansion and escalating poverty levels. An upsurge in the number of users of herbal medicine in urban and rural areas has increased the pressure on the forests, while modernization and change in lifestyle have led to the loss of traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants utilization and conservation. No detailed economic evaluation of medicinal plants has been undertaken and the current illegal, unregulated and unreported exploitation of medicinal plants has led to overexploitation and loss of biodiversity. A better understanding of the abundance, distribution, uses and economic value of medicinal plants is important for the sustainable exploitation and conservation of forests. The study covered four forest blocks of Kakamega, North Nandi, South Nandi and Kibiri to determine plant species diversity, and their distribution in the disturbed and undisturbed areas of the forest; assess knowledge, utilization and economic estimate by willingness to-pay approach of medicinal plants to communities adjacent to the Kakamega Forest. Value chain analysis had been conducted for medicinal plants and forest user groups from Community Forest Association (CFA) had been trained in product development and access market were used in the study. Experimental Plot techniques were also used to gather ecological data on the frequency, density, diversity and distribution of the plants, whereas key informant interviews, focus group discussions and household interviews were utilized to gather information on ethnobotanical knowledge and household socioeconomic data. Thirty-two key species of medicinal plants were identified and used by local people around the Kakamega forest ecosystem. Forty-seven percent (47%) of these were trees, thirty four percent (34%) were shrubs, sixteen percent (16%) were herbs and climbers three percent (3%). Seventy percent (70%) of the medicinal plants were within the forest and thirty percent (30%) were outside the forest. The three most dominant families were Euphorbiaceae, Piperaceae and Fabaceae with leaves as the most common plant part used constituting 31 % (n=26) of the preparations, followed by roots with 20% (n=17),bark with 14% (n=14), fruits with 11 % (n=9), seeds having 11% (n=9), flowers 2% (n=2) and sap 2 % (n=3). The economic benefits generated from the medicinal plants within the forest ecosystem services in the Kakamega-Nandi landscape in terms of direct use value was about KES 601,918,256 (≈USD 5.19 million) per year, while indirect use value was KES 317,288,046 (≈USD 2.74 million) per year. Indigenous knowledge of the medicinal uses of the plants, their commercial aspects and distribution trends in the forest provision of wide scope for understanding relevant market systems may be tapped for decision support in rural health service planning, policy formulation for conserving the forest, tracking and mitigation of climate change impacts.

Collective forest land rights facilitate cooperative behavior

AbstractThe introduction of formal collective property rights to forest lands appears to have improved both environmental and economic outcomes, but there is limited evidence on how these reforms affect cooperative behavior among local resource users. We propose that when national governments issue collective land rights, they strengthen the collective psychological ownership among coowners and produce increased levels of cooperative behavior. Analyzing data from 213 forest user groups in 10 countries, and a framed field experiment in a subset of sites, we find that collective land titling is associated with significantly higher levels of cooperative behavior including increased levels of trust, more frequent interpersonal interactions related to both forestry and nonforestry activities, more self‐governing institutions, and greater equality in resource extraction patterns.

Forests Attenuate Temperature and Air Pollution Discomfort in Montane Tourist Areas

Forests deliver many ecosystem services, from provisioning to regulating and cultural services. We aimed at demonstrating microclimatic regulation and pollutant removal as especially relevant ecosystem services when considering the tourism vocation of the Alpine regions. A study was realized along an altitudinal gradient (900–1600 m a.s.l.) in Trentino, northern Italy, an area with high touristic presence (ca. 9.3 million overnight stays in summer 2021). Nitrogen dioxide (NO2, µg m−3), ozone (O3, µg m−3) concentrations, air temperature (T, °C), and relative humidity (RH, %) were simultaneously measured in three open-field sites (OF) and below-canopy Norway spruce forest stands (FO) during the period 23 May–7 August 2013. The temperature–humidity index (THI) was calculated. We found a distinct mitigating effect of forest on T, with lower maximum (−30.6%) and higher minimum values (+6.3%) in FO than in OF. THI supported a higher comfort sensation in FO than in OF, especially in the central part of the day. NO2 concentrations did not differ between OF and FO; ozone concentrations were lower in FO than OF. This study confirms the role of forests in providing several ecosystem services beneficial for forest users, especially relevant for promoting nature-based tourism in the Alpine region.

Analysis of Consumer Attitudes as an Important Tool for the Segmentation and Development of the Game Market in the Czech Republic

The demand for the multipurpose use of forestry accentuates the development of non-timber forest products and services and the search for other sources of financial benefits for forest owners and users. One of the essential market items of non-timber forest production is game production, a very high-quality local food source. Currently, in the Czech Republic, as well as in neighbouring countries, the amount of game being offered is increasing, while the purchase prices of game have stagnated at very low levels for a long time, despite the fact that consumer prices of meat have generally increased. A prerequisite for the development of the market for game products and the effective use of marketing tools is the analysis of important factors influencing the consumer demand for game. Therefore, the possible limiting factors on the customer side, the removal of which can change the demand for game meat and increase the consumption of game production, were investigated. Igor Ansoff’s approach is used to analyse growth opportunities in the game market from the point of view of marketing strategies. The preconditions for using Porter’s STP process to design a pull strategy on the consumer market are verified. Based on the Parfitt–Collins model, the research mainly focuses on a sample of active consumers who are a subgroup of a representative panel of 1000 respondents. The demographic characteristics and buying behaviour of the subgroup of 523 active consumers who regularly consume game meat were analysed. Significant factors and potential segmentation criteria were identified. On the basis of these research results, the article discusses, in detail, the marketing aspects related to the development of the game market, and marketing procedures are also proposed that can significantly support consumer demand in the game market using a mix of marketing tools. The increased demand for game meat will help to reduce the overpopulation of cloven-hoofed game in the forests of the Czech Republic, which will positively impact the reduction of animal damage to the forest environment, especially in areas newly forested after the bark beetle calamity.

Forest Governance in Nepal concerning Sustainable Community Forest Management and Red Panda Conservation

This paper investigates issues confronting forest management and sustainability, focusing on the governance of the community forest user group (CFUG) initiative in Nepal. The paper begins with a literature review to give a general overview of the historical and current situation of forest governance in Nepal. It explores the historical impacts of unsustainable logging in Nepal and the World Bank Report, which both investigated and explored avenues for improving the forest situation, including community forestry. The paper outlines the development of community forestry, the legislative, regulatory, and governance frameworks underpinning this unique system of community-driven forest management, and its relationship to sustainable forest management (SFM). SFM in turn has engendered a market for sustainably derived timber and labeling systems for ‘good’ wood. The paper continues by providing an analysis of stakeholder attitudes regarding the current forest governance situation in Nepal. Furthermore, it provides another small case study on how such standards might be applied in the local community context of protecting Nepal’s Red Panda while simultaneously delivering sustainable forest management and community development. It concludes with a discussion on the need for governance standards for forest management and community forestry in Nepal.

Are indicators useful for measuring and supporting the sustainability of forest use? A Zambian case study

Widespread dependence of rural communities on forest products is recognised, however, existing data on forest product use are limited and may not reflect current trends, as dependence patterns change over time. In the context of rapid deforestation, high levels of poverty, and associated reliance on natural resources such as forest products to support livelihoods, it is important to understand the current role of forests for supporting livelihoods so that these can be incorporated into policy and forest management efforts. Effective policies should go a step further and consider attitudes and behaviours of forest product users and attempt to understand linkages between behaviour and forest use. Being able to measure the sustainability of forest use (i.e. the impact of behaviours on the provisioning forest ecosystem) by using a composite indicator approach, is useful if we are to understand the potential impact of changes in behaviour or use patterns and if we hope to make changes that will result in more sustainable use. Here, we assess forest dependence using household interview data collected from 574 households in rural North-Western Zambia. Forest use data were recorded, which we used to inform the development of a forest use sustainability indicator, as were attitudes to forests and forest management, in an area where livelihoods depend on forest resources, with the backdrop of rapid national population growth and deforestation rates. While forest dependence among households was high (97% of households used forest products) and attitudes were generally pro-forest conservation, actual forest use (behaviour) showed signs of being unsustainable, based on the sustainability indicator used to measure forest use sustainability. By using an indicator approach to measure the sustainability of forest use at a household level, we were able to calculate projections of future sustainability based on theoretical future changes in harvesting practices. Local level quantifications of sustainability using standardised tools such as composite indicators could contribute to greater transparency in the process of analysing factors affecting sustainability and the development of appropriate, inclusive, and situation-specific policy to address the sustainability of forest use.