A review of carbon dynamics and assessment methods in the miombo woodlands

Abstract

Provision of accurate carbon (C) measurements and analysis are critical components in quantification of C stocks. The objectives of this review are to (a) compile and synthesis current knowledge of available methods for C stock estimation (b) examine socio-economic drivers of land use and land cover change and their influence on woodland C stocks and (c) identify gaps of knowledge and methodological inadequacies in understanding factors affecting C stocks of major C pools namely: aboveground, belowground and soil C pools for miombo woodlands of Southern Africa. major C pools. We reviewed and evaluated a wide range of literature from peer reviewed articles. It was evident from the review that quantification of forest C is a challenging task, mainly associated with knowledge gaps and methodological challenges. This has brought about a high level of uncertainty and inconsistencies, mainly due to the accounting methods applied. We emphasise that comprehensive understanding of socio-economic drivers of land use and land cover change (LULCC) is necessary to ensure better informed sustainable forest management policy direction, strategy and practice to deliver C and livelihood options. Furthermore, our view suggests that considerations of the inherent spatial heterogeneity of the landscape and stand density are necessary to ensure development of accurate C estimation methodologies when developing C models. Notwithstanding, developing widely applicable biomass models for Southern Africa requires detailed assessments of including different aspects of wood C fractions.