Livelihoods Study

In response to these constraints the Forest Sector Co-ordination Secretariat, with support from Khanya - mrc, undertook a livelihoods study to underpin new structures and processes for effective community-based planning and responsive service delivery that aimed to improve rural livelihoods through forestry development opportunities.

• The study involved a livelihoods analysis in indicative communities from 9 districts in Uganda, covering a range of social and ecological conditions. It focussed on identifying social groups, the importance of forestry to these different groups, and the opportunities and services that could improve their livelihoods through forestry. Roles, responsibilities and capacity were examined at five institutional levels: communities, service providers, districts, national and ministerial.
  
  
• An innovative methodology was developed for the livelihood and institutional analysis in sample parishes, focussing on client-focused service design. The methodology was developed with Forestry Department staff and NGO partners from the 9 districts, working through the methodology as a training exercise in one district, then following up with studies in eight other districts.
  
  
• A synthesis was prepared of opportunities and services required, and findings were validated and communicated at two national workshops. The results are reflected in the National Forest Plan, and a follow-up programme of pilot service delivery contracts is now under way to contribute to NAADS learning.

• A wide range of social groups was identified: landless, married women, widows, elders, farmers, unemployed youth etc. Wealth ranking tended to come up with 3-4 categories, ranging from rich to very poor. The poorest tended to be widows (who do not own property), labourers, the landless, and sometimes the youth.
  
  
• A range of livelihoods was identified, with livelihood outcomes and livelihood strategies differing by social group. For example, married women in Luwero District wanted increased food security from better agricultural production. Some livelihood strategies were clearly identified with poor groups, for example the youth in Nakasongola District wish to raise income from charcoal burning. Forestry is particularly important for women, such as those in Tororo District, who use natural forests for feeding small livestock and in seasonal food gaps.
  
  
• The importance of forestry in livelihood strategies was clear. For example as firewood (for domestic use, lime and brick making, tea and tobacco curing, fish smoking, brewing), as timber and poles (creating employment in pit sawing and income from sales, construction, carpentry, boat-building), as non-timber products (charcoal, honey, craft materials, fruit, mushrooms, bark cloth). Environmental benefits of forests were strongly felt (soil fertility, shade, windbreaks, micro-climate and rain). Forest reserves were also seen to be the source of other products (stones, grazing land).