Estimating the monetary value of direct forest uses in Pakanyi sub county, Masindi district, Uganda.

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to estimate the monetary value of direct use benefits of forests in Pakanyi Sub County, Masindi district. The specific objectives were to identify the direct uses of forests quantify the direct uses of forests, and attach monetary value to the direct uses of forests. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected using questionnaires, observation, and existing literature. Data were entered and managed in Microsoft Excel and SPSS and analysed using descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed the quantity of direct forest uses as follows: 16.12 pieces of timber, 235 bundles of firewood 64kgs of local herbs, 295 sacks of charcoal, 2155 poles for construction 613kg of game meat, 144 bundles of grass for thatching, 70 bundles of fibers, 28 and 34 basins of mushrooms and white ants respectively, and 338 litres of honey. The study findings indicate various direct forest uses; timber, fencing posts, poles; wild foods, fibers, firewood, charcoal and local herbs. The study estimates the total monetary value of the direct forest benefits at Uganda shillings 33,886,812 annually.