Carbon stock of Agoro Agu Central Forest Reserve, in Lamwo District, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Uganda has since not undertaken carbon stock inventories for these conservation areas, especially with dry Afromontane forests like Agoro-agu central forest reserve (CFR). This study was carried out to estimate carbon stock of Agoro-agu CFR, for its potential in climate change mitigation. A stratified sampling design was used, where 65 sample plots were established. Nested, fixed area circular sample plots with sub-plots of varying radii for tree height, diameter measurements and soil sampling. The mean total carbon stock of Agoro-agu CFR was estimated at 606.7 mg ha-1, for which 409, 72, 124 and 0.24 mg ha-1 was stored as above ground carbon, below ground carbon, soil organic carbon and carbon in litter herbs and grass respectively. The study illustrates the carbon sequestration potential of the forest for any results-based payment projects for climate change mitigation, which calls for multi-stakeholders’ collaboration from direct resource users to national level to enhance forest conservation and reduce forest degradation.