Get reliable science

Savanna woodlands are vitally important in providing ecological services (e.g. erosion protection,
micro-climate) and economic services (e.g. timber, food, fodder non-wood products, and wild-life
habitats) that sustain local livelihoods and national economies. Increasing demands and the need for
sustainable savanna woodland resource management requires that the ecological, economic, social
and cultural values of these resources be explored and brought to the attention of decision makers and
the general public. The identification and better understanding of the structure and dynamics of
woodland community types, patterns of species distribution and quantitative properties of their
diversity is important to the conservation and sustainable management of these woodlands. This study
seeks to contribute to a better understanding of Nakasongola woodland community types, species
diversity patterns and environment correlates, natural regeneration processes (i.e. sprouting and
seedling establishment) and identifying livelihood strategies adopted by households, woody species
utilised, and the contribution of charcoal production to household livelihoods. Data on vegetation and
environmental variables were collected using 75 rectangular 20 x 50 m (0.1 ha) plots. Data on land
use and land cover changes, and relevant associated socio-economic parameters were collected
through the analysis of multi-temporal satellite imagery and field observations, as well as interviews
of local households and key informants. The basic major livelihood activities for the rural households
in this savanna dryland are charcoal production, subsistence crop cultivation and livestock grazing.
However, it, sometimes, includes various combinations of activities, i.e. charcoal production and
subsistence crop cultivation for both food and cash, and livestock keeping for income generation
through selling the livestock products such as milk and, sometimes, the whole animal. At least 24
woody species, including fruit trees (Mangifera indica and Artocarpus heterophyllus), are frequently
harvested, including 16 species that are considered the most utilized for charcoal production. Charcoal
production, being the major source of income to the rural households, contributes on average US$ 259
± 46 (S.E.) per household annually. There were significant differences in charcoal production
(Kruskal-Wallis; H = 31.42, p < 0.0001), producer sale prices per bag of charcoal (H = 35.62, p <
0.0001), and annual incomes from charcoal production (H = 32.44, p < 0.0001) per households across
the 8 sub-counties. Most of the youth (≤ 20 years old) derive their livelihoods from charcoal
production, a small amount of trade, offering labour services, livestock keeping, fishing, bee keeping
and earth brick making. Charcoal production, livestock keeping and hunting are carried out
particularly by men, whereas, crop cultivation, and collection of fire wood, medicinal plants and fruits
are carried out, mainly, by women. However, men are also engaged in cultivation only during the
rainy seasons. There have been significant land cover changes in the area during the period 1984 to
2001, resulting in a 64% decrease in dense woodland cover, and an 80% increase in areas under
cultivation/settlements. These changes are attributed to significant spatial expansion in agriculture,
increased commercialisation of charcoal production, grazing and human population growth.