Handavu, FerdinandChirwa, Paxie W.Syampungani, StephenLarwanou, Mahamane2017-03-032017-02Ferdinand Handavu, Paxie W Chirwa, Stephen Syampungani & Larwanou Mahamane (2017) A review of carbon dynamics and assessment methods in the miombo woodlands, Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science, 79:2, 95-102, DOI:10.2989/20702620.2016.1277643.2070-2620 (print)2070-2639 (online)10.2989/20702620.2016.1277643http://hdl.handle.net/2263/59254This review work is part of the ongoing PhD research project.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.en© NISC (Pty) Ltd. This is an electronic version of an article published in Southern Forests, vol. 79, no. 2, pp. 95-102, 2017. doi : 10.2989/20702620.2016.1277643. Southern Forests is available online at : http://www.tandfonline.comloi/tsfs20.Land useLand cover changeCarbon stockPhytomassSoil carbonClimate-smartPostprint Article