Abstract
Forest management offers a promising alternative to depletion of forest resources. Continuous degradation of the forest reserve base has major effects on other segments of the economy. This includes reduction of forest cover leading to erosion and soil degradation. This study assessed the roles of farmers in conservation of forest resources; benefits of conservation of forest resources in the area and reasons for loss of forest resources in the area. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Data were analysed with the use of descriptive statistics. Results show that reasons for loss of forest resources in the area included: Excessive farming (M=2.8) and rapid urbanisation (M=2.0). Roles of farmers in conserving forest resources were: avoidance of illegal hunting and poaching (M=3.0), practicing continuous forestation (M=3.2) and prevention of bush burning in forest areas (M=3.3). Benefits of conservation of forest resources in the area included: Protection of forest cover (M=2.3), prevention of climate change (M=2.4) and retaining economic benefits from the forest (2.5). Hence it was recommended that there should proper planning for farming and urbanisation for conservation of forest resources in the area.
Key words: Risks, conservation, forest.
