This study was conducted by a social worker to investigate the impacts of reserving
Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forests on local people living adjacent these reserved forests.
The study was conducted using case study research design. Data were collected using
interview, focus group discussion and questionnaire techniques. The collected data was
analyzed by using thematic analysis for the case of focus group and interview with key
informants. Data from questionnaire was analyzed using Statistic Package of Social
Science (SPSS).
This study find out that establishment of Pugu and kazimzumbwi forests have impact
on the general access of forest products by 90 percent. The costs of reserving forests
can range from displacement of local communities to restricted access to resources and
changes in land tenure. Cultural activities have being affected by 77.5 percent and
access to social services by 95 percent. Livelihoods of local people have deteriorating
by 90 percent. Benefits can include direct revenue from environmental protection, and
the maintenance of ecosystem services such as watershed protection. Therefore this
study concludes that establishment of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves impact
local communities surrounding the forests socially, economically and culturally