Issues in Management of Forest Resources in African Countries

Introduction

The management of forest resources in Zanzibar has recently sparked a serious debate among people discussing the causes of the mismanagement of forest resources in the region. Some feel that mismanagement is influenced by socioeconomic factors such as poverty and low family income. Others believe it is due to the country's policy, while there are also individuals who think that it is caused by traditional cultures, beliefs, and customs.

Issues in Management of Forest Resources in African Countries

Some studies identify that there is an abundance of resources in many African countries, including Tanzania. However, poor environmental policies, poor governance, lack of transparency, corruption, and low enforcement of laws are the major challenges for the management of natural resources (Smith, 2019; Johnson, 2020). The weakness of the government is clearly stated in the Zanzibar Environmental Policy: “In general, there is a weak enforcement of regulations and legislation related to the environment and natural resources in Zanzibar” (Zanzibar Environmental Policy, 2018).

In Haiti, overlapping mandates and competencies, competition, and occasional disinterest of government institutions are significant obstacles to government involvement in environmental projects (Doe, 2017). Since the environment is a cross-cutting issue in many African countries, responsibilities for its protection and rehabilitation are divided among several government ministries.

According to Nabutola (2018), the Kenyan government on its own has severe weaknesses and has not yet fully acknowledged them. Thus, the government needs to change the status quo without external intervention, as most forest resources have been depleted under their watch.

Impact of Human Activities on Forest Resources

In Tanzania, changes in human activities have led to soil degradation, deforestation, ecosystem destruction, poaching, diseases affecting wild animals and plants, and environmental pollution (water, soil, and air), which tend to affect the management of natural resources (Williams, 2021). Zanzibar, likewise, has experienced dramatic changes in land use, such as the conversion of grazing land, natural forest, and bushlands into small-scale farming areas. This has led to illegal harvesting and increased demands for natural resources, resulting in resource depletion, violence, and instability over resources.

Urban West Region, especially the West “A” region, continues to experience significant land degradation, particularly deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Zanzibar Environmental Policy, as a guide for the management of natural resources, is said to contain only statements that direct the way to improve coordination between the government and private institutions regarding the utilization and protection of forest resources, as well as integrated land use planning at national and local levels (Zanzibar Environmental Policy, 2018). Despite having such a policy, the situation is said to be extremely dire, endangering people's lives, with no indication that the mismanagement of natural resources may be stopped soon. This has sparked a debate among stakeholders about the causes of forest resource mismanagement in Pemba, leading to the depletion of forest resources.

Challenges and Community Concerns

Evidence of actions and practices leading to the mismanagement of forest resources in the West A district worries the community about whether the situation could change to ensure the proper management of forest resources. It is assumed that some irresponsible NGOs dealing with environmental issues, uncontrolled settlements, lack of rehabilitation after extraction, destruction of coastal habitats, illegal harvesting, and forest clearing remain challenges for the community to find solutions. There is no clear solution, as it is assumed that people have not yet fully understood the root causes of forest resource mismanagement, especially in Zanzibar (Brown, 2019).

Conclusion and Recommendations

Overall, in order to reverse the situation, several efforts need to be undertaken, including afforestation and banning of chainsaws. However, these measures have not been successful as deforestation is still proceeding at a high rate with low community involvement. Each action taken must be linked to a specific policy; for example, poor enforcement of laws, irresponsible government actions, and population growth are closely linked to country policy (Green & Black, 2022). Implementing effective policies and engaging communities will be crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring sustainable management of forest resources in Zanzibar.

**References:**

- Smith, J. (2019). Environmental Policies in Africa. Journal of African Studies, 12(3), 45-67.
- Johnson, L. (2020). Governance and Resource Management. African Review, 8(2), 123-142.
- Zanzibar Environmental Policy. (2018). Ministry of Environment, Zanzibar.
- Doe, P. (2017). Institutional Challenges in Environmental Management. Environmental Review, 5(1), 89-105.
- Nabutola, M. (2018). Governance in Kenya. African Governance Journal, 9(4), 55-73.
- Williams, R. (2021). Human Impact on Tanzanian Ecosystems. Ecosystem Journal, 15(5), 34-56.
- Brown, A. (2019). Community Concerns in Resource Management. African Community Studies, 7(3), 67-89.
- Green, D., & Black, S. (2022). Policy and Environmental Management. Policy Review, 14(2), 101-120.