Assessing Benefits and Challenges of Forest Certification: An Exploratory Case Study in the Nyungwe Buffer Zone, Rwanda

Forest certification is promoted as a market-based mechanism for strengthening sustainable forest management; however, evidence on stakeholder-perceived benefits and challenges remains limited in Rwanda. In this study, we assessed stakeholder perceptions of certification, focusing on awareness, environmental, economic, and social benefits, implementation challenges, and differences among stakeholder groups. A descriptive survey design was used, with structured questionnaires administered between February and April 2026 to 20 local community members, 5 Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) officials, and 1 representative of an FSC-certified forest management company. Quantitative responses were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while responses to open-ended questions were descriptively interpreted according to recurring issues. Awareness was highest among institutional and organizational stakeholders; the certified company reported a mean awareness score of 5.00 and a mean perceived impact on forest management of 3.56, while RFA respondents reported a mean perceived benefit score of 5.00. Among community respondents, 75% were aware of forest certification. Communities associated certification with improved forest protection, employment, company–community relationships, infrastructure or services, and participation but reported weaker direct livelihood benefits. Major challenges were limited information sharing (80%) and perceived unfair benefit distribution (87%). Overall, the respondents’ perceptions suggest that forest certification has potential to support sustainable forest management in the Nyungwe buffer-zone context. However, its perceived effectiveness depends on improved community information, meaningful participation, equitable benefit sharing, and livelihood opportunities.