COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC INCENTIVES FOR REHABILITATION OF TREE SPECIES ON NJALA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, SIERRA LEONE

摘要

The study examines socio-economic incentives for rehabilitation of tree species on Njala University Campus, Sierra Leone with a view to enhancing green landscape and ensuring an enabling environment. The method used for the study was socio-economic survey among the stakeholders of the University community to gather data through observations and administration of questionnaires. The results showed that 64% respondents affirmed that various tree species on Njala University Campus produce a multitude of goods such as timber, poles, fuelwood, leaves and fruits while 36% respondents were aware of the invaluable services of various tree species such as provision of shade, windbreak, watershed protection, aesthetic beautification of campus and abatement of noise pollution. Sixty percent respondents were aware that illegal destruction and harvest of trees on Njala University Campus have disrupted the amelioration of micro-climate during and after internal civil war in Sierra Leone. On the other hand, 40% respondents affirmed a great loss to greenery on the campus due to various tree species that were illegally burnt and destroyed by irate people. The binary logistic model for rehabilitation of various trees on campus indicated overall significant fit to the data judging from the chi square value (df, 6) =88.68 that is significant at p<0.05. The final loss of the model indicated a value of 6.11. It is recommended that the newly established School of Forestry and Horticulture in Njala University should of necessity be accorded the role to chart development strategies for rehabilitation of tree species on Njala University Campus with the financial assistance of Sierra Leone Central Government.