INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORESTATION IN ZIMBABWE
Abstract
Current institutional and management regimes for afforestation have failed to measure up to policy expectations. A close analysis of the focus of many studies conducted to date on afforestation as an alternative land use option reveal the existence of a gap in the search for an institutional framework for sustainable afforestation in developing countries, Zimbabwe included. Despite a rich array of models for both forestry and agronomy, none has been able to achieve set policy targets. Zimbabwe has vast pieces of land with potential for afforestation initiatives. As a result, afforestation has failed to proffer anticipated gains resulting in subsequent low uptake of afforestation as an alternative land use for economic development. Therefore, this research study using a qualitative research methodology sought to establish an institutional framework for sustainable afforestation in Zimbabwe. Evidence from the study indicates that afforestation can serve as a basis for economic growth had it not been for the challenges of ignorance of the benefits of afforestation, negative cultural attitudes towards forestry, institutional and capacity challenges, lack of appropriate extension services, too much time lapses before harvesting and lack of knowledge of potential business partnerships in afforestation projects.The institutional framework that maybe adopted to promote sustainable afforestation as an alternative land use for development in Zimbabwe should comprise of the following: research and development, precise regulatory and policy frameworks reforms, Incentivising afforestation, value addition, policy reforms, enhanced market access, establishment of multipurpose woodlots, agroforest development, supply chain development, improved extension services, and consolidation of projects. However, there is still need for studies on how these can be harnessed for promoting afforestation.
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