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 KFR. Data collected
from 237 households were analyzed using logistic regression
model. Descriptive results demonstrate the very different
resource use of population and the diversity of the local people.
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.