Implications of deforestation to the livelihoods of local communities in Kasulu District; Tanzania

This study examined the implication of deforestation to the livelihoods of local communities in Nyamidaho, Makere, Shunga and Nyakimue villages in Kasulu District. The focus of the study was to assess spatial and temporal forest cover changes, underlying and immediate causes of deforestation, and impacts of deforestation to socio-economic activities; and evaluate forest conservation measures. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data collection and analysis. Results were presented in descriptive form: tables, figures and graphs. Remote sensing and GIS analysis found that Kasulu district has been facing deforestation since 1980s; and there was no uniform forest cover from 1986 to 2009 in the study area. According to GIS analysis, significant deforestation was in Nyamidaho ward partly due to population dynamics and poor implementation of forest management strategies. Unlike Nyamidaho ward, Munanila and Buhoro wards showed steady increase of forest cover. This increase in forest cover was linked to afforestation and reforestation programmes that were undertaken by the government and NGOs since 1980s. Generally, reduced forest cover across the study sites were attributed to agricultural expansion, increasing human population, exacerbated by large influxes of refugees and natural increase; poor implementation of forest management policies and strategies, and poverty. This study found that deforestation in the study area has been undermining economic, social and natural resources base. This study also established that there were weak strategies intended to curb the rate of deforestation. In order to curb deforestation in the study area, it is recommended that there is a need for awareness creation in promoting afforestation, reforestation and agroforestry; enhancing participatory forest management strategies, mobilizing local resources for rehabilitating refugee camps, and promoting income generating activities to reduce pressure on forest resources.