Socio-Economic Determinants of Household Dependency on Forest Resources in Masida Community Forest in Zambezi Region, Namibia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the socio-economic determinants of household dependency on forest resources in Masida community forest in Zambezi, Namibia as one of the contributions to the national strategies to ascertain sustainability of the scarce forest resources. A cross-sectional study was conducted during December 2018 to April 2019 using a semi-structured questionnaire, Focus group discussion and key informant’s interview.  A total of 185 randomly sampled household were interviewed. Logistic regression model was used to determine the socio-economic characteristics influencing household forest dependency and a multiple response was used to assess reasons for dependency on the forest. Results shows that age and education level of respondents together with the size of agricultural land owned are some of the socio-economic determinants that significantly (p<0.05) influenced forest dependency. Though the indices of forest dependence are generally low, the forest’s provision of medicine natural ablution function and easy access are among the motives that influence people to depend on the forest in the study area. We recommend the provision of alternative livelihood income such as farming and animal husbandry to alleviate the dependence problem. This can be facilitated by the government and other stakeholders through projects, training and extension services.