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 Kasane Forest Reserve (KFR). Data collected from 237 households were analyzed
using logistic regression model. Logistic regression suggests that forest dependency is positively
and significantly associated with family size. However asset rich households were less dependent
on forest resources. Thus, 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. Apart from the biological
threats of the forest such as fire and elephant damage, large areas of the forest (about 3060 hectares)
have already been de-gazette for residential purposes of the Kasane town and the expansion of the
Kasane airport in 2002.A sustainable management plan should use the forest to pay its own
management costs and allow surrounding communities to benefit; hence, they can see the forest
reserve as worthy of the protection.