Global Advanced Research Journal of Social Science (GARJSS)
July 2015 Vol. 4(1), pp. 018-022
Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Forest depletion and socio economic factors: a comparative analysis of forest areas in Pakistan

Naila Nazir¹, Naveed Jehan¹* and Anwar Hussain²

¹University of Peshawar Pakistan
²Pakistan Institute of Development Economics Pakistan

*Corresponding Author E-mail: naveedecon@gmail.com

Accepted 22 July, 2015

Abstract

This study is an attempt to analyze the socio-economic factors affecting forest areas in Pakistan. Time series data of some socio-economic factors is taken to analyze the effect.  Two models are developed; one with national forest area as dependent variable and in second, provincial forest area. For the analysis multiple regression technique is applied and the best model is selected by step wise regression. The results showed that cultivated area expansion, construction, consumption of timber and agriculture production is more destructive than other factors. The study further showed that increase in the consumption of firewood substitutes could not significantly improve the situation. The area wise comparison between national and KPK forests showed that in 83% cases the burden of these selected variables fall on provincial forests more than national forests. The study has given more emphasis to control the land use practices.

Keywords: Socio economic factors, forest depletion, level of effect, comparison of effects