Goal programming: Application in the management of the miombo woodland in Mozambique

Background

The paper aims to show the potential for applying goal programming mathematical modeling techniques as a tool to help determine an optimal strategy for combining multi-stakeholder activities in a multi-objective planning framework for the management of miombo woodlands.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The paper advocates for the use of the technique in a participatory manner where all stakeholders are part of the process. In 1997, the national government of Mozambique implemented three main policies to guide management of natural resources. The National Land Policy, The National Forestry and Wildlife Policy, and the National Environmental Law. While the State is the only stakeholder, these policy changes are framed with the intention of the State managing resources as a joint venture with the private sector and local communities with particular emphasis on empowering local communities to participate through Community-based Natural Resource Management Initiatives. The three stakeholders identified in this case study were the State, private sector and communities. The planning problem addressed was how to combine agricultural crop production, animal grazing, off-farm work, afforestation or tree planting activities and demands on woodlands alongside government and industry goals of conservation, export timber and tourism in a way that the needs of all major stakeholders in these different ecozones and Maputo city could be satisfied while also ensuring the sustainability of the natural resource base.