An article on understanding smallholder farmer decision making in forest land restoration using agent-based modelling.

The intentions and constrains towards implementing their actual activities are analysed using a newly-developed agent-based model (ABM) called WEEM (Woodlot Establishment and Expansion Model).
WEEM highlights that farmers reduce their engagement in tree planting activities (establish woodlots) by 18-79% when they learn more about the current forest policies laws and regulations (PLRs). The lack of family labor further constrains farmers from implementing their intentions into action regarding woodlot establishment by 26-61%.

The results highlight that, de facto misunderstanding of PLRs “perceived tenure insecurity” and household labor are both key aspects for the successful implementation of farmers intentions towards forest land restoration on private farmlands.

In a bid to accelerate forest restoration and decrease tree cover loss, the article also recommends that the National Forestry Authority-Uganda could, a) provide full rights of use and ownership of trees established on private farmland, b) operationalise the tree fund to address transaction costs of household labor and to facilitate the development and implementation of management plans, and c) include a provision for maintaining at least 23% tree cover on farmland in the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act of Uganda, 2003.

• Ahimbisibwe V, Groeneveld J, Lippe M, Tumwebaze SB, Auch E, Berger U (2021) Understanding smallholder farmer decision making in forest land restoration using agent-based modeling. Socio-Environ Sys Model 3:18036, DOI:10.18174/sesmo.2021a18036PDF Dokument (nicht barrierefrei) 859 KB

• Project:
  Forest restoration