The Effects of Charcoal Burning on Mabira Forest Resource Mukono District, Central-Uganda

ABSTRACT The effects of charcoal burning on the forest resources is intended to discover the extent of the problem because of unhealthy combination of deforestation and booming population was inflicting hardship on women and children . They could no longer find charcoal, and when they could, they couldnTt afford it. The rapid population growth in Mabira forest in Mukono district has led to increased deforestation in pen-urban areas and the densely populated fragile highlands’~ in the east and south west. The increase in urban population corresponds to the increase in the demand for charcoal of 6% per annum. This has serious implications on deforestation. Charcoal production accelerates deforestation because unlike firewood, which is mostly got from dead branches and stems in rural areas, charcoal production involves the felling of live trees. Charcoal production is also highly inefficient due to wasteful technologies currently in use. The rate of urbanization is faster than that of population growth and unless something is done to provide cheaper fuels to the urban population, deforestation is expected to increase at a similar rate if charcoal remains the dominant fuel for the urban dwellers. The consumption of sawn timber and poles are also increasing with urbanization. So this research conducted was to find out the causes of charcoal burning, how its affected and how to get possible solution on the Mabira forest The researcher has used both purposive and systematic random sampling to select seventy (70) people in the select sample. Systematic sampling deals with population that is relatively homogenous and small. After getting the sample fraction, the researcher used simple random sampling to select size. Researcher used as data collection instrument Questionnaire, interview and Observation checklist, After collection of data and has discussed with the help of excel program the study concluded there were correlation between the variables There are some recommendation toward how to eradicate prolonged issues and deforestation (charcoal burning) which are, to introduction of affordable alternative energies is important to reduce the current consumption rates of charcoal in the urban and pen-urban areas It is necessary to identify alternatives to ensure that incomes generated at the rural level remain there to develop the area. And also promote renewable resources.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Declaration

Approval ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of content v

List of tables viii

List of figures ix

Defination ofoperational terms x

Abstract xi

CHAPTER ONE:INTRODUCTION

1. 1 Background to the study

1.2 Statement of the problem 2

1.3 Objectives of the study 3

1.3.1 The General objective 3

1 .3.2Speci/ic objectives 3

1.4 Research questions 3

1.5 Purpose of the study 3

1.6 Scope of the study 3

1.7 Significance of the study 4

1.8 Conceptual framework 4

CHAPTER TWO:LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.1 Theoretical framework 6

2.2. Charcoal burning and soil physical properties 8

2.2.1 Charcoal burning and vegetation cover ~olants) 10

2.2.2 Charcoal burning and animal species (~micro and macro,) 11

2.3 The root causes of charcoal burning 11

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2.3 Possible solutions of charcoal burning, efficient use of charcoal and alternative energy

sources 12

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 16

3.1 Research design 16

3.2 Study area 16

3.3 Sample size and Sampling procedures 17

3.4 Data collection instruments 18

3.4.lThe questionnaire 18

3.4.2lnterview schedules 18

3.5 Data processing and analysis 19

3.5.1 Qualitative data analysis 19

3.6 Validity and Reliability of research instrument 19

3.6.1 Validity ofinstrument 19

3.6.2 Reliability ofinstrument 19

3.7 Research limitations 20

CHAPTER FOUR:RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS 21

4.1 Socio-dernographic characteristic of the respondents 21

4.1 . I Age distribution of the respondents 21

4.1.2. Gender ofrespondents 21

4.1 .3Number ofpeople per household 22

4. 1 .4Settlement status ofthe respondents 22

4.1,5 Electricity and Water connected to households 23

4. 1.6 Education level ofthe respondents 24

4. 1.7 The Main Source ofEnergy/sr Cooking, Heating, and Lighting 25

4.1.8 The sources ofcharcoal, and quantities usedper household 25

4.2 Cause of the charcoal burning 26

4.2.1 Poverty 26

4.2.2 Unemployment 26

4.3 The effects of the charcoal burning 26

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4.3.1 Effects on the~ . 26

4.3.2 Effects on the Health 27

4.4 The best tree species for charcoal burning 28

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 29

5.1 Conclusions 29

5 .2Recommendations 29

5.2.1 Common Methods Used and Practices 29

5.2.2 Problems and Challenges 29

5,2.3 Community Solutions 30

5.3 Suggestions made to improve on the energy sector 3 1

5.3.1 Use of alternative energy sources 31

5.3.2 Livelihoods 32

5.3.3 Environment and health 32

5.3.4 Policies 33

5.3.5 fnfàr,nation and technology trans/dr 33

REFERENCES 34

APPENDIX I: (A) QUESTIONNAIRE TO COMMUNITY! GENERAL PUBLIC .................36

APPENDIX (B) INTERVIEW GUIDE 40