Extent and Rate of Deforestation and Forest Degradation (1986–2016) in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

Fatuma Mutesi,David Mfitumukiza,John Robert Stephen Tabuti,Thomas Campagnaro

doi:10.1155/2021/8860643

Fatuma Mutesi, David Mfitumukiza + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8860643

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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. The wetland has also been extensively degraded. Both the forest and wetland have transitioned into shrub land. The 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.

Highlights

Forests are vital to human wellbeing and for environmental health. ey sustain human livelihoods by providing important goods such as medicines, edible fruits, game meat, and incomes for more than a billion people [1]
Over the 30-year period (1986–2016), major land cover changes took place in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve. e forest and wetland areas declined, while the shrub land increased in area. e forest declined from 43.6% to 8.1% of the land area
Conclusion e forest cover of West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve (WBCFR) declined significantly by 82% in the three decades covered by this study

Summary

Introduction

Forests are vital to human wellbeing and for environmental health. ey sustain human livelihoods by providing important goods such as medicines, edible fruits, game meat, and incomes for more than a billion people [1]. Forests are vital to human wellbeing and for environmental health. Ey sustain human livelihoods by providing important goods such as medicines, edible fruits, game meat, and incomes for more than a billion people [1]. Over 3 billion cubic meters of wood are harvested annually from forests for use as fuelwood and shelter. About 2.4 billion people cook with wood fuel [1], and at least 1.3 billion people rely on forest products for shelter [2]. Forests provide about 20% of income for rural households in developing countries [1, 3]. Ey provide cultural services that include spiritual wellbeing. Forests safeguard the environment by providing regulating services such as carbon sequestration that is vital for climate change mitigation. Forests safeguard the environment by providing regulating services such as carbon sequestration that is vital for climate change mitigation. is mitigation function is believed to be cheaper than those in other sectors [4]

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