Working Document Series Open Access 2010 RUF-35153

Improvement of land use information flow for mangroves forest conservation and rural farming in Democratic Republic of Congo

F.P. BangaR.S. LumbuenamoG.O. Obati

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Abstract

162 words

Communities adjacent to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mangrove forest areas depend on subsistence farming systems. These farming systems are characterized by insufficient use of improved knowledge and technology, and low levels of productivity. In addition information necessary for planning land use and conservation of mangrove ecosystem forest is unavailable. Spatial analytical methods, social-economic data and land use information were integrated with the goal of improving land use decision making. The study aimed to establish reliable and upto date information regarding mangrove vegetation cover and distribution; the spatio-temporal changes and documenting local knowledge on use of mangroves. Through a survey conducted in Moanda territory, constraints, such as (content, frequency and impact of land used information) and gaps in land use information service delivery were established. The spatio-temporal analysis revealed no significant change in mangrove spatial extent. The study results will help in the longterm land use planning and the conservation of Democratic Republic of Congo’s mangrove forests to benefit the local communities.

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