The Influence of Participatory Forest Monitoring on Natural Forest Management and Community Welfare: A Case Study in Kibale National Park, Western Uganda

Abstract

The paper presents findings from a Study on Participatory Forest Monitoring (PFM) and Natural Forest Restoration (NFR) in Uganda, a case of communities bordering Kibale National Park (KNP), western Uganda. The study involved 394 respondents who were interviewed from June to August 2024. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design to determine the perceived effect of Participatory Forest Monitoring Activities at the household level and examine the relationship between Participatory Forest Monitoring Activities and Natural Forest Restoration while involving communities bordering Kibale Forest. Almost half (54.4%) of the communities bordering Kibale National Park (KNP) work with UWA rangers during forest monitoring patrols in restored areas (M=2.25, SD = 1.95). Participation in PFM improved income at the household level directly addressing household needs especially income for school fees and other needs by 79.9% (r=0.799, P<0.05). PFM can restore natural forests, increase revenue and better community livelihoods.