INFLUENCE OF FAMILY SECTOR AGRICULTURE ON THE DEGRADATION OF RIPARIAN FORESTS IN UNANGO, NIASSA, NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE

Abstract

Riparian forests are plant formations that occur along watercourses and around springs. This study aimed to evaluate the influences of agricultural activities practiced in the family sector on the degradation of riparian forests in the Administrative Post of Unango. To this end, a floristic inventory was made along the rivers, and an area with less degradation was designated as Control in a plot of 50x100 meters. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to reflect on agricultural practices along watercourses. Results show that a minimal number of species characterizes riparian forests; the families Fabáceae, Combretaceae, and Euphorbiaceae are the ones with the highest number of species. In all areas, they are dominated by species of the genus Uapaca, Brachystegia, Annona, and Cussonia, showing higher values in terms of cover and Importance value index. In terms of diversity and similarity values, the results show significant differences between control areas and those with greater degradation (Lucheringo and Luculece), but in terms of equitability, it was wide for all areas. In Unango, about 67.6% of families use riverside areas for agricultural production, with non-conservationist practices in about 90% of farmers. The most extracted forest products are firewood and grass. Therefore, it is necessary to promote alternative livelihood practices, coordinated programs of the government and society in general, that should involve educational actions that focus on the conservation of local ecosystems.