Effect of refugees on plant diversity, forest stocks and forest cover in north-east Mpanda forest reserve, Mpanda district, Tanzania.
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Date
2013
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokone University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study on the effect of refugees on plant diversity, forest stock and forest covers was
conducted in North-East Mpanda Forest Reserve (NEMFR), Mpanda District.
Specifically, the study aimed at assessing refugees' forest-based activities, quantifying
effect of refugees' disturbances on forest slocks, assessing the effect of refugees on plant
diversity and quantifying the forest cover changes between 1972/73-1994 and 1994-
2009. Structured interview and checklist were used to collect socio-economic data from
Katumba refugee camp villages and one village from native community. Biophysical
data was collected through forest inventory procedures and remote sensing and GIS
techniques. The forest was stratified into disturbed and undisturbed strata of 33 and 135
sample plots respectively. Descriptive statistics were established through SPSS software
whereas, content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Inventory data was
analysed by Microsoft excel. Satellite imageries covering a period from 1972/73 to 2009
were analysed by GIS techniques using Arc View GIS and ERDAS. Results revealed
that refugees illegally accessed NEMFR mainly for agriculture, residences, fuelwood
and poaching. Stand density was 595±26.01 (SE), 663±25.07 (SE) and 254±58.5 (SE)
stems/ha for the whole NEMFR, undisturbed and disturbed strata respectively. Basal
area was 15.68±0.76 (SE), 18.62±0.71 (SE) and 2.12±0.59 (SE) m2/ha for NEMFR,
undisturbed and disturbed strata respectively.
Volume was
151.60±8.22 (SE),
182.10±8.17 (SE) and 17.45±5.76 (SE) m3/ha for NEMFR, undisturbed and disturbed
strata respectively. Statistically, the above three parameters with reference to undisturbed
and disturbed strata were significantly different (pO.OOOl) implying disturbed strata was
less stocked attributable to anthropogenic activities. Shannon-Wiener indices were
3.26±0.007 (SE), 3.24±0.007 (SE) and 2.73±0.05 (SE) for NEMFR, undisturbed and
disturbed strata respectively. Cover change analysis deduced a widespread forest cover
changes attributable to refugees disturbances. The study concluded that legal residence
of refugees in NEMFR has significantly resulted into reduced wood stocks, plant
diversity and forest cover.
Description
Masters Desertation
Keywords
Refugees, plant diversity, forest stocks, forest cover, forest reserve, Mpanda District Council