Allometric models for estimating above- and below- ground tree carbon for community managed miombo woodlands: A case of Miyobe village forest area in northern Malawi

Abstract In Southern Africa there are no local allometric models that can precisely and accurately estimate tree carbon stocks in community managed forests. This study developed the local allometric models for estimating tree carbon stocks in community managed forests and tested predictive performance of existing models when applied on community managed forests. While the developed allometric models are robust in tree carbon estimation, the existing allometric models underestimated the tree carbon stocks in community managed forest. As such, it is recommended that estimation of tree carbon from community managed Miombo woodlands employ locally developed models in order to improve accuracy of forest carbon estimation to protect community members against revenue loss when engaging in carbon trade.