Impact Assessment of Community Forest Management Projects on Livelihoods in West African Rainforest Regions: A Mixed-Methods Study

Community forest management projects have been implemented in various parts of Africa to balance conservation efforts with local livelihood needs. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys was employed to gather comprehensive data from community members across different sites. Findings indicate a significant increase (35%) in income generation activities associated with forest management projects compared to baseline levels, suggesting improved economic opportunities for local populations. The mixed-methods study highlights the potential of well-designed community-based forestry initiatives in enhancing socioeconomic conditions within targeted regions. Policy makers should consider scaling up such projects and integrating them into broader rural development strategies to maximise their benefits.