@article{MAKHILLBRJ20103128638, title = {The Impacts of Land Use and Forest Activities on Tree Species Composition and Structure on the Edges of Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda}, journal = {Botany Research Journal}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {7-13}, year = {2010}, issn = {1995-4751}, doi = {brj.2010.7.13}, url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1995-4751&doi=brj.2010.7.13}, author = {Patrick,Peter,Susan B.,James Munga,Refaat Atalla Ahmed,Clement Akais,Jacob Godfrey and}, keywords = {tree species composition,forest edge,land use,Budongo,structure,practice}, abstract = {The impact of land use activities on tree species composition, structure and diversity in and around Budongo Forest Reserve was assessed in August and September 2000. Forty plots measuring 50x50 m were laid at 100 m intervals along 1,000 m transects originating from each land use type activity and the number, species, diameter at breast height (dbh) and height of trees ≥10 cm recorded. The land use/forest activities considered were farming, settlement, charcoal production and harvesting of timber, firewood and building poles. One way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test and Shannon-Weaner diversity index were used to analyse the data. It was found that different land use activities have affected forest tree species abundance (H = 24.77, p = 0.001), composition (F = 2.87, p = 0.047) and structure (dbh: F = 3.82, p = 0.018 and height: F = 1.63, p = 0.039). Timber harvesting had the least negative effect on tree species diversity (H’ = 2.8016) and the highest negative effect on forest structure (average dbh = 33.06 cm; average height = 22.06 m). Farming had the highest negative effect on tree species diversity (H’ = 2.57) and the lowest negative effect on forest structure (average dbh = 39.11 cm; average height = 25.18 m). It is recommended that the effect of land use practices on the forest fringes should be monitored and a methodology for an integrated land use-forest management plan developed.} }