Abstract:
The study aimed at determining direct and indirect drivers of deforestation as well as
possible measures that can be used to reduce deforestation in WBCFR in Busia
district. A household survey and key informant interviews were used to collect
information on the drivers of deforestation around WBCFR. The study of 20
respondents in the neighbourhood of WBCFR, Busia district results showed that
charcoal burning (85%), firewood collection (75%), agriculture (70%), Gold mining
(75%), and poverty (80%) had illegally increased beyond the limit in Bulumbi and
Busitema sub county local communities of WBCFR. To reduce on above mentioned
illegalities, respondents recommended that sensitization of people (60%), employing
soldiers to protect forests (65%), use of (National Forest and tree planting Act of
2003)(70%), forest boundaries demarcation (35%) and encouraging collaborative
forest management (CFM) (70%) would minimize deforestation in the proximity of
West Bugwe forest (WBF).
Keywords: Direct, indirect drivers, measures and deforestation
