An Integrated Forest Management Information System

Abstract

National Forest Authority (NFA) has large volumes of information on forestry and other natural resources. However, much of this information is not easily and readily accessible, due to lack of an integrated information system. This makes it hard for the users to make informed decisions. In addition, the incomplete and scattered information in all the various paper-based files of NFA is marred by poor storage making it slow to retrieve information needed by its intended users. In providing a solution, the main objective of the study was to develop an integrated forest management information system that enables NFA to readily access forest management information from different locations for informed decision making. The specific objectives of the study included; (1) to review the existing literature related to the research study and evaluate the performance of the current paper-based forest information management system and identify the requirements for the integrated forest management information system. (2) to design the model of the integrated forest management information system that was used as a guideline for system development. (3) to develop the integrated forest management information system that enables NFA to readily access forest management information from different locations for informed decision making. (4) to test and evaluate whether the functionalities of the Integrated FMIS met the targeted users’ needs. The researcher used a case study research strategy, and mixed methods to collect data from a sample size of 76 respondents. The integrated forest management information system was designed using data flow diagrams (DFDs) and entity relationship diagrams (ERDs) and was developed using web 2.0 technologies like HTML, PHP, CSS, Javascript, bootstrap, and MySQL. In conclusion, the main objective of the study was achieved which was the successful development of the integrated forest management information system. The researcher recommended that a mobile application for forest management information system, such as an android app should be developed to enhance flexibility in operation.