Forest dependency and livelihood around Kasane Forest Reserve, Botswana

Conservation of biodiversity in protected areas will be more challenging if local communities are heavily dependent on them for various products and subsistence needs. This study estimated forest dependency and identified factors influencing dependency for households living around KFR. Data collected from 237 households were analysed using logistic regression model. Descriptive results demonstrate the very different resource use of population and the diversity of the local people. Logistic regression suggests that forest dependency is positively and significantly associated with family size. However asset rich households were less dependent on forest resources. This, policy makers need to consider the needs and economic options with the above components as an alternative strategy for forest protection so as to create a win-win relationship between conservation and local rural development options