the economic valuation of the proposed ... - Nature Uganda

ased on household livelihoods.
Bush et al. (2004) estimated the total livelihood value
of timber (largely poles and firewood) and non-timber
products from a typical protected tropical high forest
in Uganda at UShs 18,074 per ha per year, of which 47
percent was timber and 53 percent non-timber forest
products. Hence the combined annual stream of poles
and firewood values was estimated at UShs 8,495/ha.
Since the impact area in Mabira CFR is estimated at
7186ha, this gives a benefit stream of UShs 61,045,070/
year. Capitalising this annual benefit stream by 12
percent gives a net present value for poles and firewood
of UShs 508,708,917. Bush et al (2004) cautioned as
follows.
40
“It is important to note at this point that
the values calculated do not imply that
the level of economic value derived is
sustainable. (They estimated economic
value based on the current levels of use).
However, it is reasonable to assume that
protected THF [Tropical High Forest]
values are closer to sustainable harvest
rates considering the management
efforts of the NFA”.
In summary, the values of poles and firewood were
arrived at as follows.
Poles + Firewood livelihood value
UShs 8,495/ha/year
Size of Impact Area
7186 ha
Total annual benefit stream
UShs 61,045,070/year
Present Value of Poles + Firewood benefits
UShs 508,708,917 (or (US$ 299,241)
B. NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS
Prescription 32 of the Mabira Forest Management Plan
1997-2007 had this to say about handicrafts materials.
“Demand for handicraft products,
including easy chairs, stools, mats
and baskets is rising. Although limited
quantities, for domestic use, are permitted
free of charge under the Forests Act, a
system shall be devised to monitor, record
and control harvesting. Any collection/
harvesting for commercial purposes shall
be fully charged at appropriate rates of
such forest product”. Karani et al (1997).
For other non-timber forest products, Prescription 33 of
the Mabira Forest Management Plan 1997-2007 stated
as follows:
“Domestic collection of medicinal herbs,
edible plants and other food materials
does not pose any immediate danger
to the resource or the standing forest
crop. Such collection may promote
protection and conservation of the
respective forest resource in the MPA by
neighbouring communities. However,
levels of harvesting shall be controlled
and in case of commercial interests,
corresponding fees shall be charged. In
case of any destruction to standing forest
crop, e.g. debarking and uprooting, the
FD (now NFA) officers shall take steps to
immediately stop such actions” Karani et
al. (1997).
To estimate the benefits stream from non-timber forest
products, the Bush et al. (2004) study was used. The
results of the research showed that typical tropical
high forest protected areas (PAs) on average generate
UShs 9,579/ha/year, an amount much lower than
Afromontane forest PAs, private THFs and savanna
woodland/bushland. Nonetheless, the value for tropical
high forest PA is thought to be the closest to the Mabira
situation. Using the approach similar to the one for poles
and firewood, the present value of the benefits stream
The Economic Valuation of the Proposed Degazettement of Mabira CFR | 2011