Assessing the tree cover conditions in Karamoja sub region, Napak district, Ngoleriet Sub County, and Narengemoru parish.

Abstract

This research project was conducted in Ajok moliteny village, Narengemoru parish, Ngoleriet Sub County, Napak district. The data was collected during the month of July 2024. The main objective of the study was to assess the tree cover conditions in Ngoleriet Sub County. The study used a descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires, and personal observation, and secondary data by review of existing literature from journals, District reports and books. Purposive sampling was done to select five key informants and simple random sampling the 50 households located in Ngoleriet Sub County, Narengemoru parish, Ajok moliteny village interviewed in the study. The primary data was coded, cleaned and entered in Microsoft excel and the exported to Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) for descriptive statistical analysis. Findings showed that the major drivers of tree cover loss in Ngoleriet Sub County were: Poverty and lack of alternative livelihood options, population growth and increased demand for resources, lack of awareness about the importance of trees and weak enforcement of tree cutting regulations. However due to tree cover loss, there has been an impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of people. It was also found that the local communities around Ngoleriet Sub County are not aware of laws and policies regarding environmental conservation and management. This is due to low levels of education attained as well as low sensitization levels. It is concluded from the study that the major reasons why people cut trees include need for firewood, construction materials, income generation and lack of awareness about the negative impacts. The recommendations from the study include: Strengthening laws and regulation governing natural resource utilization especially the plant resources, sensitize people on proper use and management of plant resources, the dangers associated with excessive tree cutting; Implement laws and policies regarding environmental conservation and management through increased monitoring and supervision of environmental activities in Ngoleriet sub county by the relevant stakeholders both at the sub county, district and national level.