The impacts of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves degradation on the environment and livelihood of the adjacent communities: the case study of Kisarawe and Kazimzumbwi villages Kisarawe District

This study examined the impacts of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest degradation to the adjacent communities’ livelihood and environment, in Kisarawe District, Coast Region. Different research methods were used for data collection, including household questionnaire survey, participant field observation, focus group discussion and key informant interview.Findings from the study have shown that, forest degradation is one of the major problems affecting the sustainability of the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves as well as livelihood of the adjacent communities. In addition, there is also deforestation in some areas especially for establishment of farms and settlements. However, the forest reserves are important to the adjacent communities as they provides services and productive functions including wild edible products such as mushrooms, medicinal plants, source of water, source of bio-energy and climate regulation. The availability of these goods and services has been decreasing over time due to various factors contributing to forest degradation. The increased illegal acquirement of forest resources has made the problem of forest degradation worse. Furthermore, the study has revealed that, the ongoing forest degradation has been exacerbated by different factors such as poor local participation and little knowledge on forest management. Other factors were lack alternative livelihood, poor forest governance, higher rate of population growth, poverty and ongoing illegal mining activities.The study has also revealed that, the ongoing forest degradation has impacted the adjacent communities’ livelihood. Such impacts included the loss of important biodiversity and reduced supply of water for domestic use