Loeseneriella apocynoides is a liana that is highly sought after by the communities living adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda. It is used for weaving baskets, in particular tea baskets, for constructing granaries and making stretchers. Its slow growth and low rate of regeneration coupled with this high demand could threaten its survival in the forest. This study aimed at determining the use of L. apocynoides by local communities quantitatively, the factors that affect and influence its distribution and the impact of harvesting on its growth and distribution. 

The extent of use was determined through household surveys and interviews with local weavers, and by assessing the quantity of L. apocynoides used in weaving different products. The surveys and assessments were carried out in the parishes of Mpungu, Nteko and Kitojo, communities within one hour walking distance of the forest boundary. Eight 1 -hectare plots were established  in the forest and the plots were subdivided into 20m by 20m subplots to determine liana abundance in the forest and monitor the changes in L. apocynoides abundance and population structure. To assess the impact of demand, plots located at increasing distances from the park boundary at an interval of 1km. In each plot, basal diameter of cut stems, height of cut stems, response to cutting and age of the cut stems were assessed and recorded.

The study revealed that the use of the species was higher in the lower altitude areas (especially tea growing areas) of Mpungu compared to higher altitude areas of Kitojo and Nteko. The most common uses of the liana were for weaving tea baskets and constructing granaries, these were mainly observed in Mpungu a major tea growing area.  The highest abundance of stems was also found in Mpungu. The highest stem density was recorded at an altitude of 1520m to 1640m. The main factor influencing its local abundance appears to be the availability of trellis support which is normally Alchornea hirtella. The impact of harvesting was reflected in the different population structures at different sites:  areas close to the local communities have a higher proportion of unharvestable stems (either too small or too young), due to repeated harvesting. Harvestable stems increased in density with distance from the park boundary.

The study recommends increased use of alternatives for weaving and granary construction like Flabellaria paniculata, Hippocratea odogenesis and Smilax anceps. Permanent plots should be established in a number of sites to monitor the recovery. Communities of Mpungu showed an interest in growing Arundinaria alpina (bamboo) on their farms as a substitute for granary making. Bwindi Park management should consider to allow rhizome harvesting of bamboo by communities in a controlled manner.