Abstract:
This study was motivated by the socio economic impact of forest degradation taking a case study of Amoni-Akinei natural forest which is located in Busitema sub-county in Busia district. The study was carried out by looking at the benefits people derive from the forest, the causes of the loss of forest cover, and the impacts of forest degradation and the willingness of people to adopt improved methods in order to ensure sustainable utilization of the forest.
Degradation of forests in Uganda has become a serious problem, though the causes leading to loss of forest cover are diverse. This study focused on forest degradation often limited to the area of assessment of changes in forest cover: While these assessments- are important, it is also important to look into the consequences of loss of forest cover and the people who are affected, how they are affected and to what extent they are affected. This study aimed at evaluating the factors and processes leading to the loss of forest cover in Ndaiga village as well- as the consequences of the forest cover loss.
However, the study also was focused on livelihood consequences and the willingness of the people to adapt improved measures of ensuring sustainable utilization of the forest resources in order to maintain the forest cover.
In conclusion, there is need for the government to properly manage the forest resources in order to ensure their sustainable utilization for the benefit of the future generation.
Keywords: Livelihood, Dependence on forest, degradation of forest, Factors affecting dependence and degradation of forest, Forest cover.
