Research Article
Ecological Impact of Logging for the Production of Community Beams for Local Use in the Community of Segundo Congresso in Chipanje Chetu Program Area
Fanuel Garai Albino Muiambo*
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-12
Received:
30 October 2025
Accepted:
17 November 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.frontiers.20260601.11
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Abstract: This technical note assesses the ecological impacts of logging for beams in the community of Segundo Congresso, Niassa, Mozambique, under the Chipanje Chetu program. Dendrometric methods were used to collect diameter at breast height, commercial and total height, identification of local species, volume of standing tree, volume of logs and sawn wood, in addition to volumetric yield. Data were organized in Excel 2024 and analyzed using ANOVA in Statistix 8, with means compared by Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. From the results, it was found that the chainsaw operator lacks technical knowledge, aggravating the unsustainable exploitation, since the forest supply is critical, trees of large diameter and height are scarce and dispersed, especially Vitex doniana (Mpindimbe) and Pericospi angolensis (Muanga). The sample included 3 trees with DBH > 50 cm and total height between 16 and 21 m, generating standing volumes of 2.92–5.65 m³ and commercial volumes of 1.07–1.88 m³, with an average yield of 17.25 m³ per tree. The low yield is due to the diameter, height, morphological quality of the trees and the experience of the operator. The production of beams was 35 per log, corresponding to 0.68 m³ of sawn wood per tree, equivalent to 46.78% of commercial yield. Ecologically, the activity has positive impacts, such as the preservation of the ecosystem, as it is a semi-mechanized exploration with only a chainsaw and displacements on foot, and it also has negative impacts that are manifested in the pressure on the same large species and low availability, and the lack of technical knowledge of the operator generates operational inefficiency in the conversion of logs into beams.
Abstract: This technical note assesses the ecological impacts of logging for beams in the community of Segundo Congresso, Niassa, Mozambique, under the Chipanje Chetu program. Dendrometric methods were used to collect diameter at breast height, commercial and total height, identification of local species, volume of standing tree, volume of logs and sawn wood...
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