Perceptions on community forest management practices and protection of Kwonga clan forest, Kabwoya, Kikuube district, Uganda.

Abstract

The study investigated how community forest management practices enhanced the protection of the Bakwonga Clan Forest in Kabwoya Sub-County, Kikuube District Western Uganda. The Bakwonga clan is an indigenous tribe in Uganda who live by the Kwonga clan forest. The study adopted a descriptive research design to collect data through self-administered questionnaires from 181 respondents. Interviews and reviews of documentary sources complemented data collection. Using descriptive statistics, the study reveals practicing sustainable livelihood projects by Bakwonga clan protects the forest by 41.4% (M=3.71, SD=1.43), participation in conservation awareness meetings improved knowledge of forest protection by 44.8% (M=2.1; SD=1.01), and promoting sustainable forest resource use protects the clan forest by 42.6% (M=3.81, SD=1.2). Community participation in forest management moderately contributed to the protection of the Bakwonga Clan Forest in Kabwoya Sub-County, Kikuube District. Bakwonga clan members in collaboration with the Kikuube District Forest department should develop and implement a robust conservation education strategy to build capacity for Bakwonga and Non-Bakwonga to protect the clan forest.