Causes and Effects of Vegetation Removal along the Riparian Areas of River MU

Abstract

Vegetation is an important part of biodiversity whose increasing loss has become a major environmental and socio-economic problem. Vegetation removal translates directly to loss of biodiversity, its causes and effects however, vary spatially and temporally. This study assesses the causes and effects of vegetation removal along the riparian areas of the Mu River. Data for the study were obtained from people who dwell along communities bordering the riparian areas of the Mu River, using a well-structured questionnaire, field observation, and photographs. Information were obtained on socio-demographic characteristics, causes and effects of vegetation removal. Data for the study were analyzed using frequency and percentages, and were presented in tables. The study found that the leading cause of vegetation removal in the area under study is farming (32.5%), this is followed by burnt bricks production (29.5%), and charcoal production (19.6%). The study also reveals that the major effect of vegetation removal in the area is sedimentation/siltation of the watercourse which has 54.8%, erosion of river banks follows with 20.8%, and water pollution (18.1%). The study recommends that riparian area protection legislations should be initiated and strictly abided by, so as to control vegetation removal along those areas and protect them thereby reversing the trend of biodiversity loss.