Contribution of Forest Resources to Household Income and Level of Dependence by Different Income Groups

Abstract

Purpose: To Quantify the contribution of forest resources to household income and level of dependence by different income groups (quintiles Methodology: The study drew experiences from past studies and literature review. The study area that the sample was drawn from was the Kibiko Holding Ground with a population of 1,025 and 199 households. The study population was 199 households as households were the study unit. A sample size of 55 households was identified through systematic random sampling. Results: Results indicated that the forest resources that are mostly extracted by the households are firewood, followed by honey, poles, vegetables and finally medicinal herbs. Study results also revealed that only the count of livestock and the quintile income mattered in the extraction of forest resources. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There needs to be a policy on livestock use of forests as an increase in livestock resources leads to an increase in forest use extraction. Consideration needs to be given to those households with livestock since an eviction would mean their livestock will be highly affected and of course in a negative way.