Resource Library Search
Type any text into the search box. Narrow your search using the dropdown boxes or the filters in the sidebar. If there are no results, try using fewer filters or broder dropdown options.
Assessment of causes that contribute to the occurrence of plantations forests fires in Niassa Province, North of MozambiqueBACKGROUNDThe government of Mozambique started to promote exotic forest plantations (pine & eucalyptus) because of low natural forest productivity, population growth and land use pressure. Niassa province was one of the provinces for this plantation program. However, fires in these commercial plantations have brought an enormous risk for companies, yet these companies provide the greatest source of employment for the local people. Open access copy available |
Research on Indigenous Knowledge and its Application: A Case of wild food plants of ZimbabweBACKGROUNDThere has been so much emphasis on the documentation of Indigenous Knowledge due to the fear that it is getting lost. However, little attention has been given to the application of this knowledge and how it should benefit indigenous communities. Hence this study drew its research on wild food plants of Zimbabwe and attempted to show how indigenous knowledge can be applied in education and community settings. Open access copy available |
Garden Plants in Zimbabwe: Their ethnomedicinal uses and reported toxicityBACKGROUNDIn Zimbabwe, there are several plants that have been grown in homes for primary survival and for aesthetic reasons, both exotic and indigenous species. The properties of some of these plants is unknown yet some have been discovered to be poisonous to humans and livestock. Some cases of plant poison have been accidental, hence there is need to protect the public from the toxicity of these plants. Open access copy available |
Distribution and genetic diversity of five invasive pests of Eucalyptus in sub-Saharan AfricaBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
Contributions of agroforestry to ecosystem services in the miombo eco-region of eastern and southern AfricaBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
Forests as safety nets for mitigating the impacts of HIV/AIDS in southern AfricaBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
Mangroves of Kenya: The effects of species richness on growth and ecosystem functions of restored East African Mangrove standsBackgroundThe authors of the story identify the gaps in long-term studies on the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem services in specific ecosystems. The study focuses on one of these ecosystems: mangroves, examining the effects of species diversity on above ground productivity. Open access copy available |
A Guide to Selecting Ecosystem Service Models for Decision-Making: Lessons from Sub-Saharan AfricaBackgroundEcosystem services provide critical resources that support human well-being; therefore, managing for them is vital. This report suggests that modeling may be an effective means of informing management when data is lacking, a problem that many developing countries experience. Open access copy available |
Forest and wildlife resource-conservation efforts based on indigenous knowledge: The case of Nharira community in Chikomba district, ZimbabweBACKGROUNDIndigenous Knowledge (IK) plays a significant role in the sustainable management of forest and wildlife resources. In Zimbabwe, most forests and woodlands within communal areas are being successfully managed under the authorities of traditional leaders who base their conservation strategies on their local knowledge as compared with conventional methods such as fencing which bring conflict with the local people. Open access copy available |
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE SHANGWE COMMUNITY IN GOKWE DISTRICT, ZIMBABWEBACKGROUNDThe rapid decline in global biodiversity is being attributed to the erosion of traditional beliefs globally. In the Gokwe area of Zimbabwe, the Shangwe people are known for their wise use of IKS in the preservation of their environment. They are also known for their cultural beliefs and taboos which can be recognized in songs and dance as they give veneration to their Nevana rain spirit. Open access copy available |
Improving land and water managementBACKGROUNDThis working paper from World Resources Institute (WRI) gives a glimpse of the challenges experienced by smallholder farmers across developing countries. Issues on land – from insecure tenure to degradation, exacerbated by pressures from climate change, has resulted into a significant drop in crop yield. This led to more poverty and food insecurity. Open access copy available |
The ecology and management of the Miombo woodlands for sustainable livelihoods in southern Africa: the case for non-timber forest productsBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Enhances Rural Livelihoods in Dryland West AfricaBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
Context in land matters: The effects of history on land formalizationsBackgroundLand formalization is the process by which governments grant legal rights to land, along with responsibilities and conditions of access through land titles and other official documents. This process typically establishes or re-establishes the authority of the state over the governance of land. This paper draws on examples from Africa and Asia to illustrate how land formalization has differing impacts on a diverse set of claimants, and largely increases inequity. Open access copy available |
Potential for low-cost carbon removal through tropical reforestationbackgroundOpen access copy available |
Tropical surface gold mining: A review of ecological impacts and restoration strategiesBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
A cautionary note for forest landscape restoration in drylands: cattle production systems in northwest Madagascar’s dry forestsBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
Old timber plantations and secondary forests attain levels of plant diversity and structure similar to primary forests in the West African humid tropicsBackgroundThere is a high rate of biodiversity loss and deforestation in tropical ecosystems. In order to maintain global biodiversity, it is necessary to conserve plant diversity in alternative forest landscapes such as secondary forests and plantations. Comparing conservation values and tradeoffs of different forest landscapes is important for sustainable forest management and conservation practices. Open access copy available |
The Effects of Prescribed Dry Season Burning on Woody Species Composition, Mole National Park, GhanaBackgroundSavannas are valuable ecological communities that support many species and are known to be heavily shaped by fire disturbances. Fire is a recognized tool for controlling excess fuel and improving habitat. However, it is thought that the timing and frequency of fire prescriptions may impact characteristics of savanna growth and composition. Open access copy available |
The association between rainforest disturbance and recovery, tree community composition, and community traits in the Yangambi area in the Democratic Republic of the CongoBackgroundForests in the Congo Basin are becoming increasingly threatened by human disturbances. These forests play a crucial role in global biodiversity, though understanding the full impact of forest degradation has been difficult due to the intact canopy cover. It is important to assess the extent that human activities have impacted these forests to make decisions on the forests’ conservation and management practices. Open access copy available |