The Impact of Population Growth on Management of Natural Forest Resources in Buchanchari Basin, Mara Region.

This study assessed the impact of Population Growth on Forest Management of Natural Resources in Buchanchari Basin, Mara Region. Aimed to examine the trend of population growth in Mara Region over the past 35 years the socio-economic factors affecting forest resources. The research methods adopted in data collection were quantitative, observation, document any review and in depth interview. The Targeted population was local communities and forest officials. IBM-SPSS was employed to analyze data, MS excel and SPP used to analyzise data in numerical form while descriptive giving frequencies and percentages were presented in various forms particularly by using tables, graphs and charts. Mushroom of studies revealed that World population has experienced a continuous growth since the end of the Great famine of 1315-1317 and the Black Death in 1350 near in 370 million. Furthermore this study has revealed that among of challenges which restrain effective management of Natural Forest Resources in Buchanchari Basin were little community participation on how to protect forest, lack of clear forest laws, lack of education and shortage of alternative sources of fuel, possible mitigation measures are the provision of sufficient education about environment, afforestation and reforestation and controlling of cutting down of trees, the provision of alternative sources of energy cheap and affordable and the integration of other stakeholders whom are affected by forest exploitation. The study recommends that; awareness rising on family planning should be promoted, land plan use developed PFM actively established with equal benefit sharing among the actors. Likewise, the policy and regulations should be reviewed to favour forest adjacent community’s needs. Keywords: Aquaculture, Conservation, Deforestation, Degradation