Effects of Human Forest Interaction on the Conservation of Coastal Forests: A Case of Pugu Forest Reserve, Tanzania

Kufakunoga, Sia Edward (2021) Effects of Human Forest Interaction on the Conservation of Coastal Forests: A Case of Pugu Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Understanding the effects of human-forest interactions on the conservation strategies for coastal forest is a core challenge in forest ecology and conservation management. The objective of the study aimed at investigating the underlying process and factors that influence of human-forest interaction and its negative effects on conservation of coastal forest in Pugu forest reserve. The study used quantitative and qualitative approach (mixed-method research). Attention was paid on how human interact with Pugu forest reserve and how this affects/impacts on conservation of coastal forest (Pugu forest reserve). Field observation showed that Pugu forest reserve is characterized by open grasslands; Woodlands with poor tree cover (bushlands/thickets) and small patches of forest trees, different water sources and other building materials such as sand/stone and rubbles as well as vast amount of land for agricultural production which are among the factors influencing local communities to interact with the forest reserve (through various human activities) such as agricultural production (mainly shifting cultivation), livestock ranging, harvesting of forest resources (such as fuel wood, firewood, charcoal production and building poles), stone and sand quarrying as well as Human settlements. Response from the respondents indicated that human activities contribute to negative effects of Pugu Forest Reserve in terms of contributing to deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion and water contamination, illegal activities (hunting/livestock ranging), disappearance of species and increasing forest fire. The study concludes that the needs to reduce human activities such as agricultural production and human settlement is of paramount importance for the sustainable management of Pugu forest reserve. Keywords: Human-Forest Interaction, Conservation, Coastal Forests

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