An Assessment of Effects of Illegal Activities on Timber Production in Southern Scarp Forest Reserve

Abstract

Timber plays an essential role in the economy of the country. Forest reserves houses a lot of flora and fauna that are of great importance. However, poverty, increasing human population and expansion of farms towards forest reserves has led to the over-exploitation and increased number of illegalities in forest reserves. The study was conducted to identify the effects of illegal activities on timber production in Southern Scarp Forest Reserve (SSCP). Ten communities were selected using random sampling technique. A total of hundred respondents were selected with ten from each of the ten communities. Both questionnaires and interviews were used in the data collection exercise. Purposive sampling was used in selecting a total sample of 100 participants from the study population. Illegal farming was noted as the main contributing factor to the destruction of forest reserves. There is the believe that, illegalities on timber production in the reserve have led to the destruction of water bodies and degradation of lands. The results also indicated that there was a decline in fauna and NTFPs e.g. (snail) in the reserve due to illegalities in the reserve. As a means of ensuring effective ways of managing the forest reserve, forest guards should be well equipped and motivated to work to their full ability. Also, frequent monitoring and patrols by responsible stakeholders should be done. Moreover, communities in forest fringe areas should be educated on the importance of forest and effect of illegalities. Areas affected by such illegalities should be planted up by offenders when apprehended. There is also the need to advice timber contractors who work in timber concessions to employ sustainable logging to reduce the impact of logging on the forest.