Abstract:
Collaborative forest management (CFM) is a form of forest governance in which local
communities are involved in the superintendence and administrative processes related to forest
resources. It is believed that forests under such management are better in tree diversity and
conservation status thus hold more carbon stocks. The study assessed the influence of CFM on
carbon stocks in Mabira central forest reserve. This was achieved through measuring carbon
stocks in forested areas under CFM viz a viz non-CFM areas, determining tree species diversity
in forested areas under CFM viz a viz non-CFM areas, and determining tree stem-densities in
areas under CFM viz a viz non-CFM areas in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Data were
collected from alternating plots laid along transects running from north to south in the different
purposively selected forest areas. Field carbon stock assessment followed the procedure
described by Asseffa et al., (2013) Tree species diversity included species richness and species
evenness as sampled among plots in the selected forest areas. Tree stem-density assessment was
hinged on the method described by Eilu et al., (2004). The study findings show that non-CFM
areas have a greater variability and wider spread carbon stock values compared to CFM areas.
CFM areas also had lower species richness compared to non-CFM areas. CFM areas however,
exhibited more species diversity and variability than non-CFM areas. CFM areas had higher
average stem density stands (309 stems per hectare) compared to non-CFM areas.
Recommendations for improving collaborative forest management (CFM) areas include
implementing targeted interventions to enhance carbon sequestration, such as promoting
reforestation and afforestation with high-carbon-storing species, and strengthening monitoring
and evaluation frameworks to assess carbon stock changes over time. Additionally, efforts
should focus on enhancing biodiversity conservation by implementing more stringent protection
measures and reducing human disturbance, while encouraging community participation in
biodiversity monitoring and conservation education.
