Impact of reserving forest on local communities: a case of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest Reserves
This study was conducted by a social worker to investigate the impacts of reserving Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forests on local people living adjacent these reserved forests. The study was conducted using case study research design. Data were collected using interview, focus group discussion and questionnaire techniques. The collected data was analyzed by using thematic analysis for the case of focus group and interview with key informants. Data from questionnaire was analyzed using Statistic Package of Social Science (SPSS). This study find out that establishment of Pugu and kazimzumbwi forests have impact on the general access of forest products by 90 percent. The costs of reserving forests can range from displacement of local communities to restricted access to resources and changes in land tenure. Cultural activities have being affected by 77.5 percent and access to social services by 95 percent. Livelihoods of local people have deteriorating by 90 percent. Benefits can include direct revenue from environmental protection, and the maintenance of ecosystem services such as watershed protection. Therefore this study concludes that establishment of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves impact local communities surrounding the forests socially, economically and culturally.
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