Impact Of Anthropogenic Activities On Sustainability Of Makuwe- Gando And Mtambwe South Forest Patches In Wete District Of Pemba Island, Zanzibar

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to assess impact of anthropogenic activities on sustainability of the natural forest fragments of Makuwe-Gando and Mtambwe south forest patches, Wete District of Pemba Island. The study was carried out based on the following specific objective; (1) to identify important forest goods and services derived from MGFP and MSFP of Wete district in Pemba Island; (2) to identify type and nature of anthropogenic activities in MGFP and MSFP of Wete district in Pemba Island; (3) to quantify extent of impacts of anthropogenic activities on tree species diversity at Makuwe- Gando and Mtambwe South forest patches of Wete district in Pemba Island. Data regarding on the anthropogenic activities and their impact in MGFP and MSFP forest patches were collected by the following techniques; a semi structured questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGD) and historical trend analysis. Data analysis was undertaken by using standard statistical method using Statistical Package for Social scientists (SPSS).The results indicated that the anthropogenic activities disturbing MGFP and MSFP include; shifting cultivation (54 %), 17 % timber harvesting (17 %), fuel wood collection (12 %) and charcoal burning (11 %). Furthermore, results indicated that the sustainability of MGFP and MSFP has been affected by anthropogenic activities including deforestation, fragmentation, and soil degradation, loss of biodiversity and decline of tree species. Currently these threats have drawn attention from local and international community. The study recommends that there is need to protect the remaining forest patches by creating awareness among the communities about the importance of forests and forest conservation. v TABLE OF CONTENTS CERTIFICATION............................