Journal of Forests

Socio-Economic contribution of Schinziophyton rautanenii to rural livelihoods of Hwange District, Zimbabwe

Ashley Mpofu — 2025-08-22

This study investigated the socio-economic contribution of Schinziophyton rautanenii in Hwange District, Zimbabwe. Purposive sampling was conducted, and Schinziophyton rautanenii harvesters were interviewed. The assessment focused on knowledge about the species' role in the environment, willingness to conserve Manketti, and the impact of distance on the amount of nuts harvested per season. Additionally, the economic contribution was evaluated using Plant Part Value (PPV) and Use Value Index (UV_k). Data analysis was done in PAST and R Studio statistical package. Chi-squared test was used to test for associations, T-test was used to analyze uses among different categories and ANOVA among different age groups. Chi-squared test results showed that the knowledge on species' role in the environment was dependent on age and gender. Willingness to conserve was dependent (p<0.001) on the knowledge of species’ role in the environment, whereas proximity to protected areas influenced the amount of nuts harvested (p<0.001). Among the plant parts used, fruits were the most used, with 36%, and among the Use Value Index, food was the most valued. Scientifically, all the categories valued the species equally. In conclusion, there is a need to address these knowledge gaps, educate, and promote the social and cultural use of the species.

Optimizing reforestation: Investigating the efficacy of 3D printed biomimicry seed pod shapes in enhancing seed dispersal

Muhammad Syazani Irfan Jeffri — 2025-09-08

This paper addresses the crucial challenge in reforestation of effectively distributing seeds over large and often inaccessible areas. Traditional methods, limited in cost, reach, and efficiency, are contrasted with innovative solutions that leverage 3D printing technology and biomimicry principles. The research aims to develop seed pods that emulate natural seed dispersal mechanisms, offering a potential revolution in reforestation practices. These 3D printed seed pods, inspired by natural dispersers like gliding maple seeds and parachuting dandelion seeds, are designed to optimize travel distance, thus maximizing seed dispersal. Methodologically, the study employs SolidWorks and PrusaSlicer for designing, with drop tests conducted from a three-level building to evaluate the travel distance performance of various seed pod types. The results indicate significant variability in travel and bounce characteristics based on seed pod design, highlighting the design with wing-like features as particularly effective in achieving longer travel distances. These findings emphasize the crucial role of shape design in seed pod performance, presenting a novel approach to enhance seed dispersal efficiency in reforestation efforts. The research contributes not only to environmental science and technological ingenuity but also serves as a first step for future interdisciplinary studies. For environmental scientists, ecologists, and practitioners involved in reforestation interventions, the findings have important implications for sustainable, cost-effective interventions with the potential to improve livelihoods, support biodiversity, and aid climate regulation. Future research directions include trials in field situations across varying ecological contexts, investigation of environmentally friendly materials, and expansion of biomimetic designs for greater efficacy in seed dispersing.

Natural high forest cover dynamics in Aweta River watershed: A case of Southern Ethiopia

Wendafiraw Abdisa Gemmechis — 2025-09-15

Natural forest cover change for commercial and non-commercial purposes affects the forest itself and forest agents. The main aim of this study was to assess land cover change focusing on Anferara natural forest, located in the Awata River Watershed of Southern Ethiopia, over the past 38 years. Land use and land cover classification was performed using Google Earth Engine and utilized the random forest classifier. Landsat ^TM data for 1985 and 1994, Landsat ^ETM+ for 2004, Landsat 8 (OLI) for 2014, and Sentinel-2 for 2023 were used. The overall accuracy assessments of all study years were greater than 96%. The results of the land use and land cover change classification reveal an increase in shrubland, which occupies large areas formerly covered by natural forest. This indicates that the arid and semi-arid land in Southern Ethiopia has expanded over time, primarily due to drought and anthropogenic barriers. Conversely, forest land decreased significantly from 433.8 square kilometers in 1985 to 79 square kilometers in 2023. Meanwhile, there was a notable increase in shrubland, agricultural land, settlement areas, and wetlands, from 3.18, 1.66, and 6.5 square kilometers in 1985 to 60.33, 98.4, and 38.78 square kilometers in 2023, respectively. The deforestation rate in the Awata River Watershed was approximately 67.58 square kilometers per year. Based on historical data and oral information, the deforestation in the area is primarily attributed to drought and other anthropogenic barriers.

Challenges to collaborative forest management and their impact on strengthening forest-dependent communities in Bara District, Nepal

Ishwori Adhikari — 2025-10-03

Collaborative forest management (CFM) is a widely endorsed approach for achieving sustainable forest management, emphasizing inclusive participation and equitable benefit-sharing among stakeholders. In Nepal, however, the effectiveness of CFM is often constrained by institutional, socio-economic, and policy-related challenges that adversely affect forest-dependent communities. This study aims to identify and evaluate the key barriers to effective CFM and examine their implications for enhancing the resilience of these communities in Badhnihar Collaborative Forest in Parsa district, Nepal. Data were collected using a forest user survey (n=144), field observation, and focus group discussions, integrating both qualitative and quantitative tools, including perception analysis using a Likert scale and socio-economic indicators. The findings show major constraints, with limited institutional capacity (65.25% of respondents), inadequate funding (47.95%), and political interference (61.75%) emerging as the most significant barriers to successful collaboration. These challenges intensify socio-economic vulnerabilities by limiting access to forest resources and pushing communities to seek alternative livelihoods. In addition, factors such as gender roles and educational level influence both decision-making processes and access to resources, underscoring the need for inclusive and context-specific strategies. Notably, CFM initiatives have generated substantial employment, with 8,475 jobs through nursery establishments and 6,500 jobs through forest monitoring efforts. Thus, the study concludes that addressing these institutional and socio-political barriers is essential for enhancing community resilience and advancing sustainable forest management. Major recommendations include strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting equitable resource access, and integrating participatory approaches such as the local adaptation plan.