A newly published study covering more than 4,500 people across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda highlights factors that drive – or reduce - public acceptance of policies aimed at preserving forests. The researchers found, among others, widespread support for protecting trees, but less for charcoal restrictions.
The study, conducted by researchers in East Africa and Sweden, is the first comparative survey of its kind in the region. It reveals that while people broadly support efforts to protect forests, their acceptance varies depending on how policies affect their daily lives, especially their access to cooking fuels, trust in government, education, and concern for the environment.
Big variations in responses
Four types of policies were included in the survey: Bans or taxes on cutting down trees on public lands, and bans or taxes on charcoal production and use. Across the five countries, about two-thirds of respondents support bans or taxes on cutting trees on public lands. However, support drops to around 45 percent for bans or taxes on charcoal production and use.
The level of support varies among individuals and between countries, which highlights the need to tailor combinations of policies.
“We found that families who rely heavily on charcoal or firewood are significantly less supportive of new rules that would restrict their use. Even in countries where cleaner cooking fuels are becoming more available, charcoal-using households remain reluctant to support bans or taxes,” explains Aloyce Hepelwa, researcher at Dar es Salaam University in Tanzania and one of the co-authors.
Environmental concern, education, and trust boost support
The study also finds that people who have higher education levels or express greater trust in government are more likely to support forest protection measures.
Trust plays a particularly important role. When people trust their national government, they are more supportive of both bans and taxes. In countries with more effective government institutions, trust strengthens support even further.
“This shows that strong, credible governance is essential,” says Aloyce Hepelwa.
“People are more willing to accept restrictions when they believe rules will be enforced fairly and for the public good.”
In countries experiencing greater forest loss, support for charcoal-related policies is higher, suggesting that visible environmental degradation raises the sense of urgency.
A call for inclusive and practical policy
The authors emphasize that forest conservation cannot succeed without public backing, especially in countries where biomass remains the main source of household energy. They recommend that governments:
- Expand access to clean and affordable cooking fuels
- Build public trust through transparent and fair policy implementation
- Support charcoal-dependent households with viable alternatives
- Engage citizens in policy design to ensure legitimacy and reduce resistance
“Protecting forests is essential for climate, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods,” says Aloyce Hepelwa.
“But policies must be both environmentally sound and socially acceptable. Listening to citizens is a critical first step.”