Factors Influencing Forest Dependency on the Gola Rainforest Reserve in Sierra Leone

Forest income accounts for nearly half (46%) of monthly household income in communities near Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest Reserve, highlighting the critical economic role of forest resources. The study identifies cocoa as the dominant source (74%), followed by moringa tea and timber wood, while also revealing that age, education, and gender significantly influence dependency patterns. Livelihood needs and direct consumption are the primary drivers of this reliance. To address deforestation risks, the research recommends integrating socioeconomic factors into forest management strategies, offering actionable insights for conservationists and policymakers in Sierra Leone and similar developing regions.

Samura, P. (2024). Factors Influencing Forest Dependency on the Gola Rainforest Reserve in Sierra Leone. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 7(1), 21–42. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijes.2433