This study explores the management of forest resources from perspective of rural communities and other stakeholders who use those resources in different ways for a wide variety of reasons. The purpose of this study was to identify and understanding key issues related conflicting interests of different stakeholders in governing and utilization of forest resources. The relationships between forest resources and people are mediated through institutions. Institutional arrangements shape resource access and control, and are fundamental to understanding patterns of stakeholders’ interests. This study grouped stakeholders into three groups, which were regulators, facilitators and users with different interests with regard to conservation and use of forest resources. Combining a focus on securing livelihoods with rural community negotiating and decision making processes enables this study to discuss and analyze among different stakeholders which is a key to achievement of more equitable forest resource management and distribution of benefits. This study analyzed and understands conflicting interests of different stakeholders that take place within community as a result of governing, and utilization of forest resources.

This study assessed Woodstock, species richness, tree diversity and Importance Value Index (IVI) of Chenene Forest Reserve (CFR). Forest inventory carried out in 120 systematically selected sample plots. The forest was post stratified into disturbed and undisturbed strata. The information recorded includes: diameter at breast height, species name, Geographical Positioning System (GPS) readings, and frequency of the species. Indicators of human activities such as charcoal kilns, pitsawing, burnt area and grazing signs. Analysis of the inventory data was done using Microsoft Excel. The inventory carried out in 2011 revealed that average number of stems per hectare (N), basal areas per hectare G (m2ha-1), and volume per hectare V (m3ha-1) as 352 35.20 (SE), 6.84 0.68 (SE) and 44.68 4.47 (SE) respectively. The parameters between disturbed and undisturbed strata in this study revealed low parameters in disturbed stratum as compared to undisturbed strata were 567± 87.37 stems ha-1, Basal area 11.21± 1.10m2ha-1 and volume 71.21± 7.00 m3ha-1 in undisturbed forest stratum and 246± 15.00 stems ha-1, Basal area 3.25±0.20 m2ha-1 and volume 17.92 ± 1.00 m3ha-1. The study identified 95 species and the Shannon- Index of 4.17. The study concludes that CFR is potential for having high tree diversity and is fairly stocked to provide products and services to the surrounding communities. The study recommends starting Joint Forest Management (JFM), Preparation of management plans and good governance in the management of CFR.