Regulatory and socio-economic factors shaping forest landscape restoration in the Congo–Nile Crest Mucyo Ndera Tuyizere* [1,2] , Elias Nyandwi [2] , Gaspard Rwanyiziri [3] , Emmanuel Muyombano [3] , Ndera Jackson [4] , Canisius Patrick Mugunga [5] , Eric Ndagijwenimana [6] , Remy Ninsiima [7] , Axcel Ishimwe [2] , Isaac Nzayisenga [2]

https://www.academia.edu/2997-6006/2/3/10.20935/AcadEnvSci7794 Forest landscape restoration (FLR) plays a crucial role in enhancing ecological resilience, biodiversity, and livelihoods. The effectiveness of FLR is influenced by regional differences, socio-economic conditions, and the policy–practice gap. This study assesses key factors contributing to the success of FLR and its impact in the Congo–Nile Crest agro-ecological zone (CNC AEZ), a portion of the Congo basin in Rwanda. The research draws on 150 household surveys, 15 key informant interviews, and a review of 21 regulatory frameworks, including international agreements, global strategies, national laws, policies, and institutional frameworks. Findings from the survey indicate that 98% of farmers are aware of FLR initiatives and 90.6% participated in FLR projects, with 83.33% using both native and non-native species. Farmers reported a number of benefits from FLR, including improved climate resilience, income from agriculture and forest products, better infrastructure, and increased knowledge of sustainable practices. However, many farmers felt unsupported due to inconsistent seed availability and a lack of follow-up training. Challenges identified from both survey and regulatory framework analysis include a lack of strong financial mechanisms and monitoring system, limited resources, land use competition, soil erosion, illegal deforestation, market constraints, and low private sector involvement. Agroforestry emerged as a promising approach, enhancing restoration and food security at once. This study emphasizes the need for aligning policy frameworks with socio-economic realities. The findings from farmers, environmental practitioners, and policy documents highlight key recommendations, including community participation, quality seed provision, research, market accessibility, and cross-sectoral collaboration, as essential to FLR success. This study provides critical community-informed evidence to guide FLR policy refinement and implementation in CNC AEZ and other regions with similar socio-ecological contexts.