Community perception of direct and indirect drivers of deforestation in west Bugwe central forest reserve in Busia district in Uganda.

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