期刊名称：The Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (JSDA)
电子版ISSN：1520-5509
出版年度：2011
卷号：13
期号：6
出版社：Institute of Sustainable Development in Africa
摘要：Research has focused on the threats an urban environment poses to the survival of peri-urban forests rather than on how
urban residents can benefit from the existence of peri-urban forests. The purpose of the present study was therefore to
highlight how urban livelihoods at household level can be improved through sustainable utilisation of peri-urban forests
in Masvingo City. The objectives were to delineate the spatial extent of peri-urban forests area in the City of Masvingo
and establish the present use of peri-urban forests by the low-income residents of Masvingo City. The period when
demand for peri-urban forests products would be at its peak would also be assessed. Data collection was through
household questionnaires, key informant interviews and direct observations. The areal extent of peri-urban forests was
obtained from O/S 1: 50 000 maps of Masvingo. Other information on Masvingo City was obtained from the municipal
offices. Major findings reveal that residents of Masvingo City use the peri-urban forests dominantly for the cultivation of
crops to supplement their nutritional intake. The majority of the respondents also used the peri-urban forests for the
collection of products like woodfuel, bark, poles, pit sand, medicine and food like honey and termites. However the
residents of Masvingo City face problems in securing peri-urban products as the forests are disappearing fast and are
sometimes harassed by the authorities. The paper presents pointers on the extensive use of peri-urban forests during the
dry season but more importantly is the variability of peri-urban forests usage depending on the product in demand at
given periods. Another important practical implication is the involvement of women and the youth in securing peri-urban
products. The case study gives an insight on how urban residents can benefit and improve their livelihoods from well
managed urban forests. There is need for stakeholders to educate residents on sustainable utilisation of the peri-urban
forests.
关键词：Peri-urban, sustainable utilisation, benefits, Masvingo City, Urban residents
