Fuelwood Harvesting Research Articles

Examining long-term fuel and land use patterns at Ziyaret Tepe, Türkiye using an integrated analysis of seeds, wood charcoal, and dung spherulites

This study presents the results of a combined dendrological, macrobotanical, and dung spherulite analysis of flotation samples collected from Bronze Age, Late Assyrian, and post-Assyrian contexts at the site of Ziyaret Tepe, located on the southern bank of the Tigris River in southeastern Anatolia. The results of this study show shifting fuel resource exploitation between pre-urbanized phases of the site (ca. 3000–1600 BCE), the urbanized Late Assyrian occupation (882–611 BCE), and the ruralized post-Assyrian (ca. 611 BCE–1500 CE) re-occupations of the site. During the Late Assyrian period, Ziyaret Tepe is thought to have been the location of the city of Tušhan, an important provincial capital of the Neo-Assyrian empire. Evidence for local deforestation near the Tigris River and expanding reliance on dung fuel use during this period indicate overexploitation of fuel resources as larger populations and extractive imperial economic policies placed heavier pressure on local land use. Qualitative dendrological data provides evidence for the intensification of fuelwood harvesting during this period, while textual evidence documented an expansive program of timbering to the north of the site intended to fuel imperial construction projects in the Assyrian heartland. Following the abandonment of Tušhan and the collapse of the Neo-Assyrian empire, local fuel resource exploitation during subsequent occupations of the site shifted towards the direct management of wood fuel resources and increasing reliance on rural pastoralism.

The Use of Forest Biomass for Energy Purposes in Selected European Countries

The utilization of primary and secondary woody biomass resources, despite controversies, is being promoted to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and due to the need to diversify energy sources and ensure energy security in European Union countries. Forest biomass is one of the renewable and sustainable energy sources that can be used for electricity, heat, and biofuel production. In the context of the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, an attempt was made to analyze the production and consumption of woody biomass for energy purposes (fuel wood, chips, and pellets). Specifically, an analysis of similarities between European countries in terms of biomass utilization was conducted. The analysis was complemented by a forecast of primary biomass production in selected European countries. The similarity analysis was conducted using the Ward method. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), including multi-layer feedforward perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) models, were used to predict fuelwood extraction. The study showed that woody biomass remains an important source of bioenergy in Europe, and its significance as a strategic resource guaranteeing energy security is likely to increase. Fuel wood harvesting in Europe generally shows an upward trend, particularly in the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Denmark, and the UK. A decreasing trend was observed in France, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus. The analysis revealed differences between countries in terms of woody biomass consumption. The ANN-based forecasts of fuelwood supply generally showed an increase in primary biomass harvesting.

Ethnobotanical study of underutilized wild edible plants and threats to their long-term existence in Midakegn District, West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

BackgroundEthiopia is endowed with much plant diversity. The insignificant number of studies on wild edible plants with their ethnobotanical perspectives indicated that this plant diversity comprised only hundreds of wild edible plants used to supplement food sources for the local community under different conditions. There still need to be further investigations throughout the country when compared to the total area and cultural diversity of the country. However, they are seriously under pressure due to different natural and human influences. Therefore, the study was conducted to document underutilized wild edible plants along with their associated indigenous knowledge and explore threats to them in Midakegn District.MethodsA questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, a market survey, score ranking, and focused group discussions were employed for data collection. Statistical analysis of ethnobotanical knowledge mean variation between different informant groups was computed by using one-way ANOVA in the IBM SPSS Statics version 24 package.ResultsA total of fifty underutilized wild edible plants belonging to 39 genera and 30 families were collected, recorded, and documented. The families Moraceae (four), Fabaceae, Flacourtaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae (each three) represented the highest number of species. It comprised shrubs (44%), trees (36%), herbs (18%), and epiphytes (2%). Fruits (62.3%) were found to be the most frequently used and mostly taken raw, fresh, or dried. These edible resources were consumed to supplement staple foods (67.3%), whereas 25% were used as emergency foods. The majority of species (96%) had multiple uses in addition to their edibility. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) number of underutilized wild edible plants were cited by males than females, by key informants than generals, elders than youngsters, illiterate than literate, and poorer than other wealth class groups of the community. Priority rankings indicate that agricultural expansion, fuel wood harvest, overgrazing, and selective harvesting are the most threatening factors to underutilized wild edible plants.ConclusionsFifty underutilized wild edible plants, along with their associated indigenous knowledge, were recorded. Local people utilize them for supplementing staple food, as emergency food, to get relief, trust, and chew during drought. But they are mainly threatened by different human activities in the study area.

Fuelwood Consumption: Its Effects on Carbon Sequestration in the Derived Savannah Region of Cross River North, Nigeria

Fuelwood harvesting accounts for about 40 percent of global removal of wood from forests and half of the World's population depend on it as their main source of energy. This study investigates the fuelwood consumption: Its effects on Carb on sequestration in the derived Savannah region of Cross River North, Nigeria. The study seeks to determine the type of fuelwood consumed and estimate carbon sequester. In order to achieve these objectives, primary data consisted of questionnaire, interviews, and field study while secondary data were obtained from Landsat, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Ogoja and the internet. Three hundred and ninety-one copies of questionnaires were returned out of three hundred and ninety-nine questionnaires administered. Regression, paired sample t test, percentages were used for analysis. Gmelina is the fuelwood tree used in the area with 54.7 percent due to its availability and accessibility. Fuelwood is an energy; income source; and it is affordable. Obanliku Local Government Area has the highest mean fuelwood consumption with 0.621795m3 and the least is 0.476925m3 in Yala Local Government Area. Carbon sequester in the study area is 20,394,418,025 tonnes. The regression model for the relationship between fuelwood consumption and carbon sequestration is expressed as: Fuelwood consumption = - 4855725.118 + 17270584.078carbon sequester. As fuelwood consumption decreases, carbon sequestration increases. Fuelwood consumption needs to be reduced to increase carbon sequestration and alternative energy sources should be made affordable, available and at little or no price by the recommendations.

Conservation of Forest, Based on a Fuelwood Substitute as Well as Considering the Cultural and Spiritual Values: An Optimal Fuelwood Harvest Model

Abstract Excessive fuelwood harvest is a major cause of deforestation in developing countries. To mitigate this, various preventive measures have been introduced in different countries. The availability of affordable substitutes to the community dependent on the forest for domestic energy consumption may prevent further forest degradation. A stock-dependent optimal control model of fuelwood harvest from a natural forest is presented here and comparative statics has been used to show that the presence of a fuelwood substitute will reduce its harvest and increase the forest stock. The model indicates that the availability of cheaper and high-energy content alternatives for fuelwood can substantially reduce fuelwood extraction from a forest. Also, a lower discount rate and higher cultural and spiritual values (CSV) will keep the optimal forest stock close to its carrying capacity and reduce fuelwood harvest. The model reveals that the maximum sustainable yield of forest stock and the ratio of energy content per unit mass of fuel plays a central role in the fate of forest stock and the level of fuelwood harvest. An empirical example of the Southeast Asian Forest growth model along with Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a substitute has been used to illustrate the results. The outcomes of this study can be incorporated into forest conservation policies.

Quantifying the sensitivity of L-Band SAR to a decade of vegetation structure changes in savannas

Global savannas are the third largest carbon sink with large human populations being highly dependent on their ecosystem services. However, savannas are changing rapidly due to climate change, fire, animal management, and intense fuelwood harvesting. In southern Africa, large trees (>5 m in height) are under threat while shrub cover (<3 m) is increasing. The collection of multi-date airborne LiDAR (ALS) data, initiated over a decade ago in the Lowveld of South Africa, provided a rare opportunity to quantify the ability of L-band SAR to track changes in savanna vegetation structure and this study is the first to do so, to our knowledge. The objective was to test the ability of ALOS PALSAR 1&2, dual-pol (HH, HV) data to quantify woody cover and volume change in savannas over 2-, 8- and 10-year periods through comparison to ALS. For each epoch (2008, 2010, 2018), multiple PALSAR images were processed to Gamma0 (γ0) at 15 m resolution with multi-temporal speckle filtering. ALS data were processed to fractional canopy cover and volume, and then compared to 5 × 5 aggregated (75 m) SAR mean γ0. The ALS cover change (∆CALS) and volume change between pairs of years were highly correlated, with (R2 > 0.8), thus results for cover change applied equally to volume change. Cover change was predicted using (i) direct backscatter change or (ii) the difference between annual cover map product derived using the Bayesian Water Cloud Model (BWCM) and logarithmic models. The linear relationship between ∆γ0 and ∆CALS varied between year pairs but reached a maximum R2 of 0.7 for 2018–2010 and a moderate R2 of 0.4 for 2018–2008. Overall, 1 dB ∆γ0 corresponded to approximately 0.1 cover change. The three cover change models had very similar uncertainties with mean RMSE = 0.15, which is 13% of the observed cover change range (−0.6 to +0.6). The direct backscatter change approach had less underestimation of positive and negative cover change. The L-band backscatter had a higher sensitivity than suggested by previous studies, as it was able to reliably distinguish cover change at 0.25 increments. The SAR-derived cover change maps detected the loss of stands of big trees, and widespread increases in cover of 0.35–0.65 in communal rangelands due to shrub encroachment. In contrast, the maps suggest that cover generally decreased in conservation areas, forming distinct fence-line effects, potentially caused by significant increases in elephant numbers and frequent, intense wildfires in reserves.

Pandemic-induced shocks and shifts in forest-based livelihood strategies: learning from COVID-19 in the Bia West District of Ghana

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped societies and will continue to do so. Despite its salience, micro-scale evidence on how this pandemic reshapes the livelihood strategies of forest communities in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. To bridge this lacuna, this paper analyses the dynamics around forest-based livelihood strategies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Bia West District of Ghana. Key informant interviews (n = 8) and a survey of forest-dependent households (n = 100) were conducted to generate relevant data. The study identified fuelwood harvesting, medicinal plants extraction, fruit-gathering and beekeeping as the four livelihood activities that were predominantly practised in the study communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis established an increase in the number of households that diversified into fuelwood harvesting. Regarding medicinal plants collection as a livelihood strategy, less than 10% of households either diversified or intensified this practice with similar charges recorded in fruit-gathering and beekeeping. The logistic regression disclosed gender, household size, education and income, as the socioeconomic variables that significantly predict livelihood diversification and intensification during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the financial, social and physical asset base of households significantly shaped livelihood diversification. Diversification into fuelwood collection, medicinal plants extraction and beekeeping were the strategies that showed a significant positive correlation with the well-being outcomes of forest-based households. While this paper provides fresh evidence to inform the vulnerability dimension of the sustainable livelihoods framework, it further calls for policy interventions to build pandemic-resilient livelihood strategies around forest communities.

Land Cover and Land Use Changes between 1986 and 2018, and Preliminary Carbon Footprint Implications for Manoka Island (Littoral Region of Cameroon)

Land and resource use patterns in coastal areas play a key role in the resilience of ecosystems and populations to climate change. Knowing their spatiotemporal dynamics therefore constitutes a strategic tool to help decision-makers. Based on documentary research, geographic information system (GIS), image processing, and field work, this article maps land use on Manoka Island between 1986 and 2018 and identifies the drivers of change and avenues for intervention with a view to strengthening climate change mitigation. The results show a decrease of 4% in forest area on Manoka Island, representing an average of 112 ha of inland forest and 267 ha of mangrove converted between 1986 and 2018. This increases the degraded forest area by 268% (degraded mangrove and degraded inland forest) and exposes some camps to erosion and flooding. Reduction in forest area is mainly linked to the harvesting of fuelwood and the conversion of forests into farmland and residential areas. Settlements have increased in area from 15 ha in 1986 to 90.4 ha in 2018 to the detriment of natural spaces.

Abandonment of Silvopastoral Practices Affects the Use of Habitats by the European Hare (Lepus europaeus)

Silvopasture, a traditional agroforestry practice, combines the presence of trees, shrubs, herbage, and livestock in time and space to provide multiple ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being. However, the abandonment of traditional agroforestry practices across Europe has led to substantial changes in vegetation characteristics, mainly due to woody plant expansion and, as a consequence, changes in wildlife that rely on open habitats. This study examines the effects of a 20-year abandonment of silvopastoral practices (i.e., livestock grazing and fuelwood harvesting) in a typical agroforestry Mediterranean landscape (kermes oak shrubland, natural grassland, and olive groves) on European hare (Lepus europaeus) habitat use. We estimated tree, shrub, and herb cover using a densitometer and hare habitat use using pellet counts within 2004-m2 rectangular plots in 2002, 2011, and 2021. Hare pellet density in olive groves was significantly lower in 2021 compared to 2002, while the opposite trend was found in grassland for the same period. Woody plant cover expanded from 2002 to 2021. We suggest that the woody plant encroachment that followed the abandonment of traditional silvopastoral practices in the area is the main driver behind the reported decline in hare use of the habitat, as it became less open and therefore less favorable for the species. Maintaining a mosaic of open and closed habitats at the landscape level, which was once provided by silvopastures, is vital for the conservation of this species.

Quantification and Consumption Pattern of Fuel Wood in Mornaula Reserve Forest in Kumaun, Indian Himalaya: Implication for Sustainability and Conservation

Present study provides information on biomass utilization, fuel wood species diversity, their regeneration status, and impact of fuel wood harvesting in Mornaula Reserve Forest (MRF) in Kumaun, India. A total of 34 plant species (32 trees and 2 shrubs) were collected by the inhabitants for fuel, belonging to 22 families, dominated by Rosaceae (04 species) followed by Pinaceae and Lauraceae (02 each). Distribution of plant species ranges from1500-2200 in a wide range of habitats, forests being the most preferred one. High preference and Resource Use Index of Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda , and Rhododendron arboreum, Pinus roxburghii, Myrica esculenta, Symplocos chinensis, and Cedrus deodara as fuel indicated high pressure on these species. The continuous exploitation of these species from the MRF may lead to rapid deletion of their population. Therefore, adequate conservation measures have to be taken to maintain the current status of the habitats, species and communities for the effective management of the MRF. Awareness among the villagers needs to be created for the resource utilization techniques, so that sustainable utilization of the species could be done by the villagers. Further, the degraded forests may be re-established through plantations of the seedlings of the preferred fuel wood species with the participation of local inhabitants.

Bioresource, energy and forest sustainability: A case study from Indian Himalayan region

Biomass and bioenergy are important for energy security in the rural areas of the developing countries. The sustainability of using biomass for energy security and reducing carbon emission for climate adaptation is an area of concern. Here we assessed the forest biomass use pattern in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and factors influencing the usage within the rural community. We did the household level survey (n = 1346) in the 77 representative villages of Beas, Bhagirathi and Teesta basin of the IHR. We found that although 80% of the surveyed household had access to Liquidified Petroleum Gas (LPG), their dependency on common pool resources for energy security still exists, depending on the altitude, size of the family, dependent members, education and occupation of the family members and adult cattle unit present with the household. The fuelwood and fodder harvest varied between the three basins and also increases along the altitudinal gradient. The biomass harvest is linked with the forest degradation and attributed to more carbon emission along with the rural health. Most of the surveyed villages of Beas and Teesta basin lacked sufficient forest cover for sustainable harvesting of fuelwood and fodder. We suggest intersectoral linkages within different stakeholders to adopt and disseminate cleaner energy to remote rural areas to meet sustainable development goals and energy security in the IHR.

Assessing forest degradation using multivariate and machine-learning methods in the Patagonian temperate rain forest.

The process of forest degradation, along with deforestation, is the second greatest producer of global greenhouse gas emissions. A key challenge that remains unresolved is how to quantify the critical threshold that distinguishes a degraded from a non-degraded forest. We determined the critical threshold of forest degradation in mature stands belonging to the temperate evergreen rain forest of southern Chile by quantifying key forest stand factors characterizing the forest degradation status. Forest degradation in this area is mainly caused by high grading, harvesting of fuelwood, and sub-canopy grazing by livestock. We established 160 500-m2 plots in forest stands that represented varied degrees of alteration (from pristine conditions to obvious forest degradation), and measured several variables related to the structure and composition of the forest stands, including exotic and native species richness, soil nutrient levels, and other landscape-scale variables. In order to identify classes of forest degradation, we applied multivariate and machine-learning analyses. We found that richness of exotic species (including invasive species) with a diameter at breast height (DBH) < 10 cm and tree density (N, DBH > 10 cm) were the two composition and structural variables that best explained the forest degradation status, e.g., forest stands with five or more exotic species were consistently found more associated with degraded forest and stands with N < 200 trees/ha represented degraded forests, while N > 1,000 trees/ha represent pristine forests. We introduced an analytical methodology, mainly based on machine learning, that successfully identified the forest degradation status that can be replicated in other scenarios. In conclusion, here by providing an extensive data set quantifying forest and site attributes, the results of this study are undoubtedly useful for managers and decision makers in classifying and mapping forests suffering various degrees of degradation.

Fuelwood Harvest and No Harvest Effects on Forest Composition, Structure, and Diversity of Arasbaran Forests—A Case Study

The impact of fuelwood harvesting on forest structure and composition is not clear, especially on the understudied and scarce Arasbaran forests in Iran. This research compared woody species density, species diversity, forest composition, and regeneration status in areas of continuous and ceased fuelwood harvesting in Arasbaran forests. We expected fuelwood harvesting to decrease stem density, species diversity, tree size (diameter at the breast height (DBH) and height), and shift composition away from preferred fuelwood species. We measured woody species size and frequency and identified species in three fuelwood harvest and three no harvest sites, with six sample plots (100 m × 50 m) per site. Results tended to show differences in composition, diversity, woody species height, and density. Carpinus orientalis, a preferred fuelwood species, tended to be more dominant in no harvest (importance values index (IVI) = 173.4) than harvest areas (IVI = 4.4). The diversity or richness of woody species tended to be higher in harvest (20 ± 1 species per ha) than in no harvest (14 ± 2 species per ha) areas, and other measures of diversity supported this trend as well. Harvest areas tended to also be characterized by shorter tree height and lower density of trees, a higher density of regeneration, and fewer small pole-sized trees than no harvest areas. Ongoing fuelwood harvests may further shift composition and structure away from no harvest area, compromising future fuelwood availability, but further detailed research is needed. Close to nature practices may be useful in sustaining fuelwood harvest areas and diversifying areas where fuelwood harvesting has ceased.

Assessment of the Extent and Causes of Fuelwood Collection in the Surrounding Communities of Kasewe Reserved Forest, Sierra Leone

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Seven (7) communities living in and around the Kasewe forest reserved were sampled to assess the extent and causes of fuelwood collection from the reserved forest involving 50 individuals in stratified random technique with a view to evaluate the degree and reasons for fuelwood collection from the Kasewe reserved forest. Data obtained indicate a high frequency of fuelwood harvest in the forest throughout the year. The significant factors affecting such decisions were availability and accessibility, ensure fast cooking process, and cost-effective. In addition, fuelwood activities were intensive throughout the year but peaks late dry season. Hence 48 (96%) of respondents stated forest degradation as one of the significant threats posed by fuelwood collectors to the forest. The study indicates that 100% of the collector are unemployed this was mainly the reason why residents of those communities collect fuelwood from the reserved forest. However, this study concluded that fuelwood collectors were selective over the kind of species they harvest, but the preferred species were not replanted. Fuelwood in the study area is not restricted to domestic use as it is also sold to augment local income. The sale of fuelwood is probably the biggest threat to sustainable utilization of fuelwood and the forest. Therefore, this study recommends that alternatives sources of livelihood and energy be created, among other recommendations for resident communities that will reduce the frequency of harvest from the forest.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Assessing Biomass Removal and Woody Debris in Whole-Tree Harvesting System: Are the Recommended Levels of Residues Ensured?

Forest biomass is a sustainable source of renewable energy and a valuable alternative to finite fossil fuels. However, its overharvesting may lead to soil nutrient depletion and threaten future stand productivity, as well as affect the habitat for biodiversity. This paper provides quantitative data on biomass removal, fine woody debris [d ≤ 7 cm], and coarse woody debris [d &gt; 7 cm] left on the forest floor in whole tree harvesting systems. Using tree allometric equations and inventory field methods for woody debris estimation, we assessed biomass removal on nine fuelwood harvesting sites in Central France, as well as fine and coarse woody debris left on the sites. The aboveground biomass estimates showed a high variability between the studied sites, it varied between 118 and 519 Mg ha−1. However, less variability was found among sites managed as coppice-with-standards 174 ± 56 Mg ha−1. Exported biomass was 107 ± 42 Mg ha−1 on average, including 35 ± 9% of fine wood. The amounts of both fine and coarse woody debris left on sites were generally less than 10% of the total harvested biomass in 2/3 of the studied sites. These amounts are lower than the minimum retention levels recommended by the sustainable forest biomass harvesting guidelines. Therefore, more technical effort and additional management measures should be taken to ensure more woody debris, especially in poor forest soils and thus, to guarantee a sustainable biomass harvesting.

Land use decisions under REDD+ incentives when warming temperatures affect crop productivity and forest biomass growth rates

Climate change is expected to adversely impact crop productivity and forest stocks of the planet, which will pose food security challenges and complicate carbon mitigation goals. This paper asks in what ways warming temperatures may affect the ability of REDD+ programs to sequester carbon and support rural livelihoods. An example from the forest-rich central Himalayan region of India is used for modeling the implications of crop productivity decline on land use change decisions. Local communities derive their livelihoods through multiple avenues including forestry and farming. When faced with warming-led declining crop productivity, communities may find it attractive to enroll farmland into REDD+ programs. However, a reduced biomass growth rate due to increasing temperatures and declining precipitation would also lower the benefits from REDD+ participation, thereby delaying the timing of irreversible land use decisions. Results suggest that while higher carbon prices and declining crop incomes incentivize early farmland conversion into forests, a lower biomass growth rate discourages REDD+ enrolment. If communities are allowed fuelwood harvesting from forests, it could make land enrollment into REDD+ more attractive, leading to early conversion. However, the value of fuelwood to the communities plays a crucial role in determining the timing of REDD+ participation. When fuelwood is less scarce, warming will delay enrollment into REDD+ schemes. Whereas, when fuelwood is valuable to the community, early afforestation becomes an attractive option.

Can combining two environmental services under a single PES program result in better environmental outcomes and lower costs?

AbstractThis paper develops an integrated framework for modeling payment for ecosystem services (PES) mechanisms that deliver multiple environmental services. Specifically, under a community‐led PES, forest conservation is promoted to deliver carbon and stream water benefits. The upstream community is paid for avoided fuelwood harvesting through a United Nations programme on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) program, whereas additional income is generated from water sales to the downstream communities. A bio‐economic model derives optimal level of fuelwood harvesting, which in conjunction with the changing species composition of forests, streamflow hydrology and fire risks, impacts on the carbon and water generation potential of the PES project. Results indicate that forest conservation outcomes are better when water and carbon services are combined, however overall cost to the program is lower under a carbon‐based PES. Changing species composition of forests creates tradeoffs between water and carbon benefits. Forest fires further challenge the viability of PES schemes through reducing streamflow and carbon sequestration potential.Recommendations for Resource Managers Linking two or more environmental services under a single payment for ecosystem services (PES) scheme could improve forest conservation through making it more attractive to the participating communities. PES programs that combine multiple environmental services become economically attractive to participating communities through increasing their incomes. For instance, water and carbon driven services complement each other due to the overlapping benefits from improving forest biomass. However, fire risks can lower the benefits from PES and dissuade community participation. Similarly, the ecological and hydrological dimensions of PES projects that offer carbon and water benefits need to be understood and incorporated within PES framework design to enhance their durability. Conservation of mixed forests is more responsive to water‐based PES payments, in comparison to monoculture oak forests, however, mixed forests are also more vulnerable to degradation in absence of cooking fuel subsidies.

Trends and drivers of land cover changes in a tropical urban forest in Ghana

This study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate the trends and drivers of land use and land cover changes from 1991 to 2015 in an urban forest reserve in Ghana. The specific objectives were to: i) determine the extent of land cover changes in the urban forest, and ii) ascertain the factors driving land cover changes in the urban forest. The study employed Landsat satellite images using ENVI to detect trends of land cover changes from 1991 to 2015. A questionnaire survey was used to solicit information on the socio-economic drivers of land cover changes from households in four fringe communities of the urban forest. The results showed that built up and bare areas recorded an increase between 1991 and 2015, with a decline in forests as well as shrubs and grasslands. The study showed that, forest decreased from 387.83 ha in 1991 to 341.28 ha in 2015, indicating a class change of 12.0%. Shrubs and grassland also decreased from 24.56 ha in 1991 to 11.77 ha in 2015, representing a class change of 52.1%. Built-up and bare areas changed from 36.278 ha in 1991 to 95.618 ha in 2015, representing class change of 163.57%. Overall, the study established that 59.34 ha of the Achimota Forest Reserve has been lost or converted to built-up and bare areas between 1991 and 2015. Study respondents identified urbanisation as the most important cause of land cover change. Other factors driving land cover changes reported included fuel wood harvesting and logging, agriculture, lack of forest guards, a lack of enforcement of laws on forest and annual fires. Based on these findings, the study concluded that human activities were driving considerable land cover changes in the urban forest. These changes could have significant implications for the long-term sustainability of the urban forest. Therefore, the study recommended that government takes steps to protect the urban forest from further land cover changes, as built up and bare areas have increased by more than double its size since 1991.

Performance of common pool resources management in the mixed farming system in Goncha district, northwest highlands of Ethiopia

Common pool resources, such as forests, shrubs, and grasslands, have been and continue to deliver a valuable contribution to the livelihood of millions of smallholder farmers in the mixed farming system areas. However, these resources are threatening by the overuse of the local community in the Ethiopian highlands. Studies accommodating sustainable management of ecological, economic, social, and institutional criteria on common pool resources are very limited over those highlands. The study is aimed at evaluating the performance of common pool resources management schemes in Goncha district, in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. It was developed as an alternative management scenario of common pool resources. Participatory key informant interviews were conducted with purposely selected twenty-four farmers, twelve practitioners, and three experts to generate the data. The data were analyzed by using a multi-criteria analysis (weighted score) method. The study indicated that complete enclosure management of forests and shrublands was highly contributed to enhancing biodiversity and curb gullies expansion, while poorly performed in harvesting and fair distribution of fodder and fuelwood. Alternatively, grasslands management in the periodic enclosure without rotation was largely emphasized on the fair distribution of fodder. Natural forests and shrublands in the semi-open-access management and grasslands in the open-access management were performed between very weak and poor performance to almost all criteria/indicators. Therefore, the management schemes of common pool resources should reformulate to the integrated premise of ecological, economic, institutional, and social criteria for sustainable management and productive crop-livestock mixed farming systems.

Impact of wood harvesting on mangrove forest structure, composition and biomass dynamics in India

Mangrove forest are used widely for meeting fuelwood needs of local communities in the tropics. However, the implications of fuelwood extraction on mangrove ecology has received very little attention. In this study, we investigated the impact of such small-scale fuelwood harvesting practices on mangrove forest structure, composition, regeneration, and biomass and carbon stocks in a protected area on the east coast of India. We sampled vegetation plots in areas where harvesting was practised and where no harvesting was observed. We found that species composition differed across forest categories with Exoecaria aggalocha and Heriteria fomes dominating non-harvested forest types and Sonneratia apetela, Sonneratia caseolaris, Avicennia officinalis along with mangrove associates comprising a large proportion of harvested mangrove forests. Similarly, tree, sapling and seedling densities, basal area, and biomass and carbon stocks were also found to vary across forest categories, with overall lower values observed in harvested areas. Lastly, total aboveground (11%) and belowground (18%) biomass and carbon stocks were also lower in harvested forests than non-harvested forests. However, large DBH size-class trees were found in harvested areas implying selective cutting practices that conserved old-growth trees and contributed to larger mean carbon pools. As harvesting is selective, mainly for cooking fuel demands, integrated management plans are required to accommodate local cultural and economic needs of the communities in this region.