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Local-Level Valuation of Village Woodlands and State Forests:  Cases from
Matebeleland South in Zimbabwe
By the Gwai Working Group
Price:  [Z$80]

This study investigates the value of woodlands in and around Mzola State Forest. 
The perspectives of three disciplines are enganged: sociology, ecology and
economics.  Of particular note, group interviews during participatory rural appraisal
have been used to attempt valuation using contigent valuation scenarios. 
Mzola forest is characterized by resources conflicts, notably those between the
state and communal area residents.  These conflicts were explored through role
playing.  The valuation exercises indicate that agricultural land is valued highly by l
ocal people, some ten times the values given to the equivalent land under woodland
(where it is used for grazing, timber and woodland products).  The high valuations
of agricultural land by local people reflect the land shortage in communal areas
and the agricultural subsidies provided by the state, as the land is fundamentally
poor being in a drought-prone area and having exceptionally nutrient-poor soils. 
Workshop participants regarded the current level of anarchy as regards state rules
as unacceptable, while also urging the authorities to enter into pilot co-management schemes,  The location of the veterinary fence was also questioned as it provides
unnecessary hardships to local people.

Paper compiled by Sithole B, Mushove P, Kundlande G, Matose F, Mushandu G with contributions from Adamowicz V, Brigham T, Butaumocho B, Campbell B, Gambiza J,
Goebel A, Gona J, Heydenrych B, Luckert M, Mandondo A, Mavu J, Mudekwe J,
Ngwarai K, Nyakabau J, Tembo A, Veeman M and the late Wagoneka M