Strengthening The Role of Local Leaders and Actors in Advocating for Better Forestry Governance and Improved Livelihoods

Abstract

Despite many policy interventions and investment into the forestry sector over the years, Uganda is one of the countries that continue to lose forest cover at high rates worldwide, losing one-third of its forests in the 20 years period from 1990 to 2010.1 It is now generally accepted that poor governance in the management of forest resources at the national and local levels is one of the major bottlenecks to ensuring the sustainable use and management of forests as well as addressing climate change.2 In Uganda, poor governance of the forestry sector continues to lead to loss of forest reserves; declining revenue and undermines the effective implementation of the forestry related policies, laws and regulations; and negatively impacts on vulnerable communities living adjacent to forests who may rely on forests for livelihood.