Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on the effects of bark stripping on baobab trees (adansonia digitata) in Nyanyadzi, Zimbabwe · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Sithole, Takudzwa L

Title

Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on the effects of bark stripping on baobab trees (adansonia digitata) in Nyanyadzi, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the local community in Nyanyadzi regarding the consequences of bark stripping on baobab trees (Adansonia digitata L.). The study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024. The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is renowned for its distinct and iconic presence in various African regions. Bark stripping involves removing the tree's bark and has detrimental effects such as reduced fruit production, increased mortality rate, amplified susceptibility to diseases, amplified soil erosion, and human-wildlife conflicts. Raising awareness about sustainable practices in bark harvesting is crucial for the residents of Nyanyadzi. The research design was employed with both qualitative and quantitative. The questionnaires and interviews, administered to 85 participants selected from Ward 8. Data were collected using a multiple-phase design, followed by stratified sampling using the process of multiple-stage sampling. Convenient sampling was used to choose participants using the random sampling method. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel version 2016 and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 of 2020, using descriptive statistics. The responses were categorised into good, fair, and poor, while binary logistic was employed to analyse the factors influencing the community's knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The results were presented through tables and graphs, with statistical analysis utilizing a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of 5%. The findings revealed an average knowledge score of 59.38%, indicating a varied level of understanding. Attitudes towards conservation and sustainability displayed an average score of 60.35%, while practices related to bark stripping scored 42.98%. These results emphasize the urgent necessity for educational interventions, community engagement, and sustainable mitigation strategies to address the adverse effects of bark stripping on baobab trees (Adansonia digitata L.).

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

baobab trees (Adansonia digitata L) Amplified soil erosion, bark harvesting,bark stripping on baobab trees

Supervisor

Mr A Kundhlande