Community-based conservation and development : the case of the Mori Kunda Community Forest in Tujereng, The Gambia

Abstract

Protectionist forest conservation can have negative impacts, as people are excluded from local lands and resources in the name of conservation. Negative ecological effects can also ensue, especially where poverty is relatively high and people depend directly upon forest resources to meet daily needs. Community-based conservation (CBC) was developed to synergize social, environmental and economic aspects of conservation by actively involving local communities. To combat deforestation and promote development, The Gambia implemented a Community Forestry Programme (CFP), giving land and resource ownership rights to local communities provided they adopt management responsibilities. Exploring Tujereng’s Mori Kunda Community Forest it was determined that CBC has the potential to result in both development and conservation outcomes. However, outcome extent was dependent upon: incentives; access to land; external training, funding and resources; poverty; competing industries; environmental stewardship; community consultation and values; as well as the communally oriented structure and disposition of Gambian society.