The impacts of forest destruction on human environment: a case study of Kihingo forest, Njoro, Kenya.
Loading...
Date
2010-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Abstract
The aim of the research was to show how the degradation of forest affect human environment.
The case study was Kihingo forest. Kihingo is found in Njoro division, Rift valley Kenya. The area has equatorial type of climate. Most of the land is forested but the rate of degradation is alarming thus the forest is decreasing day by day. Human population in the area is also increasing and agricultural land is becoming limited to be able to sustain the growing population.
All these lead to degradation, however sometimes the degradation process takes place naturally.
This affects the humans in one way or another.
The objectives were to know how the forest is being degraded, how it affects the human environment and what has been done to help in controlling the impacts of degradation.
The study was descriptive in design, and the use of both primary and secondary data was used in collecting more information on the problem. Primary methods included the use of interviews, observation and questionnaires .secondary data was found from different books and journals concerning the research problem.
The findings showed that were different forms of degradation taking place in the forest, mostly humans are the ones who degrade the forest by different activities like charcoal burning, illegal logging of trees, agricultural expansion and settlement as the population increases. Degradation has affected the people by reducing water quantity and quality and causing the soil to lose fertility due to soil erosion. The economic impact is felt by the reduction in raw materials.
Measures have been taken to reduce the impacts of degradation. These include forest farming which involves growing trees together with crops. The second measure taken is reforestation and this is basically growing trees were they have been degraded.
Recommendations were made with an aim of improving on what is being done to help minimize the negative impacts of degradation. Majorly the community has to change their attitude and help in making their lives more comfortable.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted To Department Of Environment Management, In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirement For The Award Of Bachelor Of Science In Environmental Management Kampala International University
Keywords
Forest destruction, Human environment, Kihingo forest, Njoro, Kenya