The Zambian government has been implementing the Community Forest Management (CFM) system in order to (1) enhance community participation in sustainable forestry management, (2) reduce community poverty by facilitating community income from sustainable forestry management, and (3) forge and strengthen partnerships in forest conservation and sustainable resource utilization. Given its mandate in promoting transparency and accountability in forestry management, TI-Z has, since 2018, been working closely with Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs) and Private Partners in empowering communities to demand for transparency and accountability in benefit sharing mechanisms in Rufunsa, Petauke and Kasenengwa districts. To ensure effective implementation of community forest interventions, an assessment of the legal, policy and institutional frameworks that governs forestry management in Zambia was conducted. This assessment sought to identify gaps or inconsistencies that limit effective community participation and the implementation of effective and inclusive benefit sharing mechanisms. This paper therefore highlights the key gaps, inconsistencies and opportunities within the forestry legal framework in Zambia in respect to effective Community Forest Management as well as promoting transparency and good governance among Community Forest Management groups.
Gap Analysis: Benefit Sharing in Zambia’s Community Forest Management System
