Abstract

A model forest has been proposed for Malawi. This would be a double first for the International Model Forest Network (IMFN): the first model forest in Africa, and the first in such a low-income area. The proposed area has a diverse ecology but is densely populated, with the majority of the population depending on the natural resource base for their livelihood. Because of population pressure on the land, people are already encroaching on protected areas. On the other hand, the country is undergoing rapid democratization and institutional reform, creating potential for public participation in resource management.

This grant will support a study to identify the sources, uses and management of the main natural resources in the proposed model forest area, and assess the involvement of the various stakeholders in the decision-making process. Researchers will carry out a socioeconomic study in selected communities in various agroecological zones in southern Malawi with a view to understanding the ways in which people interact with their environment. They will identify the different stakeholders in the use of natural resources, attempt to understand formal institutional arrangements and government policy related to the management of natural resources, identify the different nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in organizing communities to deal with natural resources management, and analyze formal and informal mechanisms for conflict resolution. The overall goal is to determine whether current and expected future incentives are sufficient to ensure that livelihoods are sustainable and compatible with the principles of model forest management.

Post-Project Summary

A complete postproject abstract could not be written due to insufficient documentation. Available information indicates that the project objectives were met.

Recipient Institution(s)