Abstract:
The study is about the economic valuation of central forest reserves: A case of Kyahi central forest reserve in Kakiika division, Mbarara district. The research was conducted based on following specific objectives: To identify activities carried out from Kyahi Central Forest Reserve; to find out the benefits got from Kyahi Central Forest Reserve and to find out the peoples willing to pay for the existence of Kyahi Central Forest Reserve.
The study used a cross sectional research design with a. combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, interview guide and observation. Purposive and Simple random sampling techniques were used to select 60 households located around Kyahi central forest reserve. The data was analysed using EXCEL and SPSS.
Research findings indicate that the major activity carried out in the forest reserve was cultivation, though the main activity threatening the existence of Kyahi CFR is lumbering. Findings also indicate that the majority of the respondents have benefited from. the forest by obtaining water and fuel (charcoal and firewood) respectively. Findings also indicate that activities done in the forest like grazing, charcoal burning, cultivation and cutting down trees contribute to a reduction in the forest size: Findings indicate that the majority of the respondents reported planting trees as a way of increasing the size of Kyahi forest reserve. Findings indicate that the respondents. agree that once the forest is lost their livelihood will be highly affected. Furthermore, the findings showed that 40% of the respondents attached UGX. 20000 - 40000 as their m0nthly willingness to pay for the benefits got from the forest existence.
1 recommend that there is need to develop national guidelines on the economic valuation of forest products and services, decision makers at all levels should take steps to assess and communicate the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services in economic activity, and for human well-being and the contribution of forests to national development in terms of income, provision of products, employment and environmental services should be highlighted more through valuations of forests.
