Journal of Forests

Above-ground bole biomass and carbon stock of recreational trees at Agodi Gardens, Oyo State, Nigeria

Ige Peter Oluwagbemiga — 2024-10-30

This study used allometric equations to evaluate the biomass and carbon stock of recreational trees at Agodi Gardens in Ibadan Metropolis. Stratified sampling technique was used to delineate 15 plots (25m x 25m). Six allometric equations were selected to estimate Aboveground Biomass (AB) of the tree species. Models selected were assessed based on highest adjusted coefficient of determination (AdjR²), significant F-ratio (P<0.05) and least Root Means Square Error (RSME). A total of 220 trees belonging to 18 species were encountered. The dominant Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and Height (Ht) were 62.8cm and 39.1m, respectively for Alstonia bonnei and Elaeis guineensis. The mean AB/ha was 2.8006Kgha^-1and the highest carbon stock of 3.332147 x 10^-4 was recorded for Khaya ivorensis. Equation C= 2.6 x 10^-7+ln (AB) + lnDBH²+lnHt (AdjR²=99%), gave the best fit to estimate carbon stock in the study area. The study found a significant relationship between AB, DBH and Ht, with a high correlation between DBH and Ht (P-value=0.00). Hence, as the DBH increases, the Ht increases with an increase in AB. Most trees had low slenderness coefficients (<70). The developed allometric model improved the prediction of aboveground stem biomass and carbon stock, making it useful for future research.

Assessment of timber and fuel wood harvesting practices and distribution pattern in CFUGs of Khotang District, Nepal

Leera Kushmi — 2024-11-26

Proper harvesting of forest products is necessary for sustainable forest management, playing a pivotal role in minimizing damage and waste while ensuring the sustainability of forest resources. Sustainable community forest management greatly depends on the harvesting and fair distribution of various forest products (FP). The study's goals were to ascertain the methods, instruments, and strategies utilized in the harvesting process, forest products distribution pattern, and the common issues surrounding the distribution and harvesting of FP in Imo and Ashoje Community Forest (CF) located in Khotang District, Nepal. Operational Plan (OP), focus groups, key informant interviews, household surveys, and minute books were used for data collection. 25% of all households were chosen at random from each of the two CF. The study revealed that traditional methods and tools such as sickles, bill hooks, axes, and saws, were commonly used in the past; however, there has been a shift towards modern tools in recent years. Deviations were observed in forest products harvesting and distribution from that of OP in practice. Fuel wood were equally distributed, timbers were allocated based on priority and circular basis ensuring user satisfaction. The slope was the major constraint for harvesting, as most of the marked trees were not cut because of difficulty in extraction. To improve sustainable forest management, it is recommended that advanced tools and training be provided to users, with regular monitoring by forest officials to ensure adherence to best practices. These measures will help enhance user responsibility and ensure sustainable harvesting operations.

Local ecological culture and the quest for a meaningful life

Leonard Ssozi — 2024-11-26

This study investigates the influence of Local Ecological Culture (LEC) on the pursuit of a meaningful life among communities residing adjacent to Mabira Forest in Uganda. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research explores the interplay between these communities and their environment, focusing on whether forest conservation practices are driven by immediate utilitarian benefits (shallow happiness) or by deeper ecological values (deep happiness). The study introduces key concepts such as "deep happiness" and Ubuntu to analyze how these communities conceptualize a meaningful life in relation to their ecological context. A principal components analysis (PCA) of the field data reveals three core dimensions of LEC: functional relationships with nature, environmental stewardship, and the notion of an embedded life. The findings indicate that both men and women, across various age groups, uphold strong commitments to ecological sustainability and community well-being, although distinct patterns of engagement emerge according to gender and age. This research highlights the pivotal role of local cultural practices in supporting environmental conservation and emphasizes the potential for community-based approaches to sustainability. By integrating LEC with broader conservation frameworks and sustainable livelihood strategies, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how cultural values can inform environmental management in forest-dependent communities. The results offer critical insights for developing conservation policies that incorporate local ecological knowledge, promoting both environmental resilience and socio-economic sustainability.