Effects of deforestation on socio-economy and associated insect pests in district Swat, Pakistan

The research was carried out to investigate proximate causes and underlying driving forces of deforestation and its socio economic impacts on the local people of district Swat Pakistan. Different methods were used for investigating the desired objectives. Assessment of forest dependencies as a source of livelihood in Swat, to document underlying forces and drivers of deforestation in the Swat forest division and to assess the impacts of deforestation on the socioeconomic conditions of the local community of Swat were the main objectives of the study. Primary data was collected through pre structured Questionnaires. The major findings were that most of respondents were given the rights for consumption of forest products on the basis of their needs and the effects of rights given to them have positive effects on them. The main cause of deforestation was fuel wood collection from the forest and the role of overgrazing in deforestation was moderate. Deforestation has adverse impacts on the biodiversity including the insect’s fauna. Deforestation has reduced the population of beneficial insects which has important role in pollination and natural products development including honey, silk and lac products. It was found that beneficial insects has important role in feeding on harmful insects which clearly states their role as predatory insects.