Impacts Of Economic Activities On Natural Vegetation Cover A Case Study Lolkisale Village In Monduli District Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This research focused on the Impact of Economic Activities on Natural Vegetation Cover

conducted in Lolkisale Forest in Monduli District in Arusha northern part of Tanzania.

The objectives of the study were to identify the major socio-economic activities in the

sub village of Lolkisale village around Lolkisale forest, to determine causes of natural

vegetation degradation, identify the impact of economic activities and to identify the

measures that have been put in place to remedy deforestation. The target area for the

study is communities and forests. Fifly (50) respondents were randomly sampled and

interviewed through prepared questionnaires and data are collected. The results show that

there is high deforestation of natural vegetation in this area. It was found that agriculture,

building poles, livestock keeping and charcoal burning are the some of human practices

which causes degradation of natural vegetation cover.

The study also presents challenges facing rural community in trying to conserve forest

such as rapid population growth, lack of alternative source of income, shortage of

extension workers, lack of education about conservation, lack of project dealing with

conservation and lack of other source of energy rather than fuel wood.

It also indicates measures undertaken by local government leaders and NGOs to remedy

deforestation. There is in place use and implementation of various by-laws and laws on

natural vegetation in the community and such by-laws are; no cutting trees, no burning

bushes, stop burning charcoal, use agrofrestry, those who misuse a forest are charged

some fine as agreed by the community around that forest. There are NGOs like

TAPHGO, PINGOs Forum and SCAPA working with communities trying to conserve

environment. Activities being done by these NGOs engaged in natural vegetation

conservation include; training (capacity building), tree planting, soil and water

conservation methods, poverty alleviation, provide education among others. The

strategies that employed include; sectoral programming, community participation,

training, political influence and networking with other NGOs. There is still need of more

effort to restore natural vegetation cover of Lolkisale forest.