African Small Business Management | 05 August 2001

Indigenous Community Engagement in Sustainable Forest Management for Economic Benefits in Southern Malawi, 2001

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18736008

Abstract

Sustainable forest management (SFM) in southern Malawi involves Indigenous communities who rely on forest resources for their livelihoods and cultural practices. A qualitative case study approach was employed to assess indigenous community participation and outcomes in SFM projects. Community-directed forest management initiatives have led to a consistent increase of at least 20% in local employment opportunities compared to traditional SFM methods. Indigenous communities play a crucial role in sustainable forest management, contributing significantly to economic development and environmental conservation. Policy recommendations include strengthening community-led SFM programmes, providing training for indigenous leaders, and integrating traditional knowledge into SFM strategies.