WOODLAND RESOURCE USE, ATTITUDES AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES: EVIDENCE FROM THREE COMMUNITIES IN BUSHBUCKRIDGE MPUMALANGA PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

This study adopted a mixed-method approach to examine the uses, attitudes, and conservation perceptions of rural people from three communities in Bushbuck ridge, Mpumalanga Province South Africa. The study revealed that rural communities attached a high premium value on the forest as socially, economically, and culturally, both to the country and individuals. It also revealed that people rely heavily on woodland resources for cooking, building materials, food, and medicines. The results indicated that the overwhelming majority of respondents possessed positive attitudes and practices towards forest/woodlands conservation. However, their socio-demographic characteristics except, for the level of education does not influence people's attitudes and practice of forest/woodland conservation. The people are willing to participate in the conservation of forest resources through the adoption of alternative resources and strategies. It is, therefore, recommended that attitude and practice of conservation should be sustained and enhanced through community-based environmental education, which will continue to sensitise as well as encourage them on the importance of conservation.