Extent and Rate of Deforestation and Forest Degradation (1986–2016) in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Forestry Research
Abstract
Understanding the extent of land cover change and the forces behind land cover changes is essential in designing appropriate
restoration strategies. Land cover changes at local scales or the factors that lead to cover change have not been documented for
much of Uganda. We undertook this study in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve (WBCFR) to fill this gap. We used remote
sensing to determine land cover changes for a 30-year period, 1986–2016, and an interview survey to investigate the drivers of
these changes. Our results show that the forest in this reserve has declined extensively by over 82% from 1,682 ha to 311 ha
corresponding to an average change of −1.18% per year. &e wetland has also been extensively degraded. Both the forest and
wetland have transitioned into shrub land. &e key drivers that have been highlighted by the survey are poverty (86%), population
growth (56%), and associated harvesting of woody products (86%) for subsistence and income generation. We conclude that the
forest in WBCFR has been extensively and rapidly deforested and degraded by humans.
Description
Keywords
Deforestation, Forest Degradation, West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
Citation
Mutesi, F., Tabuti, J. R. S., & Mfitumukiza, D. (2021). Extent and Rate of Deforestation and Forest Degradation (1986–2016) in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve, Uganda. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8860643