Strengthening Capacities of Communities for Sustainable Forest Management: The Case of Renk County, South Sudan

摘要

Local communities in Renk, South Sudan collectively own their land and therefore, should be able to benefit from its resources. However, the communities are unable to do so due to inadequacies in capacity to manage particularly the forests resources in a way that can sustain both the resources and the people. Strengthening capacities for communities and institutions is underscored to be central in ensuring sustainable use of resources. This study assessed the capacities of the local communities in implementing sustainable forest management as well as the capacities of research and development institutions to provide the necessary training and extension services to strengthen the capacities of the communities to implement sustainable forest management. A cross-sectional survey of respondents representing 21% of the estimated population of 67,182 in Renk was interviewed using participatory methodologies and semi-structured questionnaire. Results showed that sustainable forestry activities are limited in Renk County although the communities are aware of the benefits of forests. The study highlighted some of the challenges affecting forestry development and sustainable forestry practices which, are mainly related to inadequate capacities within the forestry institution and among the communities to effectively implement sustainable forestry. The study concludes that by strengthening capacities and collaboration between institutions and stakeholders, Renk County has opportunities to benefit from sustainable forestry.