The impact of deforestation on the natural forests in Nambieso sub-county, Kwania district

Abstract

The objective of this study has been to examine the impact of deforestation on the natural Forrest in Nambieso Sub-county, Kwania district. Specific objectives of the research are: (1) To identify the effects of deforestation on the natural forest of Nambieso Sub-county, Kwania district, (2) To find out the impact of deforestation on the community in Nambieso Sub-county, Kwania district and (3) To establish the strategies needed to monitor and promote preservation of the natural forest in Nambieso Sub-county, Kwania district. The empirical research is approached through quantitative and qualitative social research methods for data collection and analysis. For the case studies, Nambieso sub-county with a total number of 214 respondents was selected for field surveys where questionnaires, interviews and group discussions were employed. The research findings indicate that, that local people understand deforestation as the cutting of trees and believed that the major driver of deforestation is inappropriate land management practices that involves use of fire for bush cultivation that causes deforestation, The study found that most local members in Nambieso sub-county understood that deforestation has effects on the natural settings of the physical environment. The study found that local people know that there are strategies that can promote preservation of forests in their community. Community people in Nambieso sub-county also know that the major strategy that can monitor and promote preservation of physical environment is developing board members who have self-confidence in decision making. The study concluded that the major driver of deforestation is in-appropriate land management practices that involve use of fire for bush cultivation that causes deforestation, most local members in Nambieso sub-county understood that deforestation has effects on the natural settings of the community, strategies that can promote preservation of forests in their community. Community people in Nambieso sub-county also know that the major strategy that can monitor and promote preservation of the physical environment is developing board members who have self-confidence in decision making. Recommendations were given referring for a better implementation of set up policies and laws by the Government of Uganda that promote protection of the natural resources by all people in Uganda, the National Forest Authority should ensure their board management is active and quick in giving quick responses when cases of forest destruction are detected and reported, Nambieso sub-county council should organize team for supervising and monitoring of forests in the regions, Local people should portray patriotism through protecting their land and forest resources from destruction and the need for future researches concerning the impact of deforestation in different regional contexts.