Community perceptions towards the establishment of an urban forest plantation: a case of Dzivaresekwa, Zimbabwe

A Mureva,C Masona,G Nyamadzawo,M Muringayi,P Makumbe,Sm Mudyiwa,T Nyamugure

doi:10.3329/ijarit.v4i1.20973

Abstract

The health of urban forest communities not only depend on the government and nongovernmental organizations, but also strongly rely on local community stewardship. A study was carried out to assess community perceptions on the establishment of an urban forest plantation among urban residents in Dzivaresekwa, an urban area in Harare. Randomized systematic sampling was used to select 150 households and one resident per household was interviewed using a pretested questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. The objectives of the study were to determine how age and gender and employment status variables, were related to the urban residents perceptions towards establishment of a forest plantation in an urban area. Most females (58.3%) viewed the plantation as a threat while most men (51.7%) viewed the plantation as a recreational area. The highest proportion (61.9%) of the middle age group (21-40 years) perceived the plantation as a source of employment. There was a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.040) between gender and the general perception of establishing a forest plantation in the urban area. However, there was no statistically significant relationship (p = 0.203) between age groups and the perception of establishing a forest plantation in the urban area. It is concluded that the community had diverse perceptions on urban community forestry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i1.20973 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 4 (1): 16-23, June, 2014

Highlights

Urban and community forests play an instrumental role in the social, economic, and environmental well-being of urban residents
The residents of Dzivaresekwa had diverse perception towards establishment of a forest plantation in their suburb though most of them had a positive perception towards urban forestry
Gender had no significant influence on perceptions of establishing a forest plantation in Dzivaresekwa

Summary

Introduction

Urban and community forests play an instrumental role in the social, economic, and environmental well-being of urban residents. Trees provide a wide variety of goods and services and are one of the most important forms of vegetation in an urban environment (Lorenzo et al, 2000). Wood is still the main source of energy for cooking and heating, because alternative sources, when available, are unaffordable to the majority of urban residents. Despite their importance, Zimbabwe’s urban trees, woodlands and forest resources are under increasing threat from the rapid increase of urban agriculture, expansion of urbanization and the high demand of fuel wood due to prolonged electricity shortage. The loss of trees within urban areas has led to long distance marketing of firewood. Healthy community forests require ongoing stewardship as well as cooperation at governmental, organizational, and community levels

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