Evaluation of the current levels of knowledge and attitude of the community towards woodland degradation, case of Kakooge Sub-county Nakasongola district.

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the current levels of knowledge and attitudes of community towards woodland degradation in Kakooge Sub County Nakasongola district. Specifically, this study focused on: establishing the causes of woodland degradation, examining the effects of woodland degradation, assessing the conservation. measures put in place to protect woodlands and the constraints faced in achieving them and finally to document measures that can be put in place to ensure woodland conservation in the Sub County. The study used across sectional descriptive survey design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study was conducted in three randomly selected parishes of Kakooge Sub County. The samples used in the study consisted of households and key informants. The data was collected using questionnaires and oral interviews. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS 16.0 and correlations. Findings of the study indicate a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and community attitudes on woodland degradation. There is a significant relationship between community attitudes and the level of knowledge and woodland conservation measures. When people have knowledge and positive attitudes they can easily conserve the woodlands and that there was a relationship between community attitude and level of knowledge of the constraints of woodland degradation and conservation measures. Knowledge of the constraint helps the community people to work out solutions for them while the reverse discourages even the little effort. The study recommends community sensitization, provision of seedlings for reforestation program, demonstration projects about woodland conservation measures, provide fertilizers and improved methods of agriculture practices to reduce pressure on land. The study also recommends that there should be bylaws and regulations taught to the people and enforced that safe guard the woodlands like burning and cutting trees indiscriminately. The study finally recommends government should come in to assist the total people to overcome the constraints that limit woodland degradation by providing input. For example, termites that eats up trees and tree seedlings to mention but a few by providing chemicals which might be expensive for the local community.