A pilot study on local forest governance was implemented by IPOR in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Ohio State University. The pilot aimed to identify potential units (groups) for a future study focusing on women’s involvement in local-level forest management. During the pilot, IPOR used a qualitative method and employed Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and observations. A team of researchers at IPOR observed 10 local forest governance committees in the Tradition Authorities (T/As) of Nkula, Machinga district, and Malemia, Zomba district. Participants for KIIs were District Forest Officers and community leaders such as chiefs and Village Development Committee (VDC) chairpersons. Data collection was done between July and September 2023. The results of the study will help IPOR and its collaborators to conceptualize the main study.