Peri-Urban Deforestation In Harare, 1955 - 1980

Deforestation is the removal or destruction of woody plant species, or of forest and woodland vegetation types. This may be in the form of selective felling of trees from woodlands or the entire clearance of wooded areas, (Whitlow, 1979). Deforestation in the peripheral areas of Harare is perpetrated by low income families resident in the city’s townships (Low-income residential areas). The principal cause is gathering wood fuel. for cooking and heating. Therefore, the process is a direct result of an energy crisis among the low-income families. Similar occurrences have been reported in other Third World urban centers (Morgan, 1978; Le Houeron and Lundholm, 1976; and F.A.O., 1974).