SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FORESTRY AND AGROFORESTRY APPROACHES

This systematic review addresses the need for integrating social, ecological, and economic dimensions into sustainable forest management to enhance resilience and sustainability. Existing research reveals a gap in understanding community involvement and governance effectiveness. The review synthesizes findings from diverse studies, focusing on community forestry and agroforestry practices. An analysis of 48 peer-reviewed articles and case studies was conducted to identify the best practices and key themes. Results indicate that robust institutions and effective governance are essential for sustainable forest management. Community engagement and education significantly enhance sustainable practices, with fiscal subsidies in forestry proving more effective than agricultural subsidies. Agroforestry emerges as a strategy that boosts agricultural income and biodiversity through improved market access. The conclusions emphasize the need to address social inequalities and urban pressures while fostering community participation for effective forest management. Recommendations include strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting education for sustainable practices, developing targeted policies that address identified barriers, and leveraging community participation in decision-making processes.