Author(s)

Ian E. Munanura^1*, Kenneth F. Backman¹, DeWayne D. Moore², Jeffrey C. Hallo¹, Robert B. Powell¹

¹Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
²Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.

This paper explores the perceived relationship between household poverty and forest dependence among the poorest residents neighboring Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Using the sustainable livelihoods framework, this paper examines the influence of household poverty on forest dependence. The findings reveal that food and health security risks are primary drivers of forest dependence. Education security risks however, were found to have an indirect influence. Both food and health security risks were found to have equal influence on forest dependence. The economic security risks traditionally believed to significantly influence forest dependence were not found to have a direct influence.

Household Poverty, Sustainable Livelihoods, Forest Dependence

Munanura, I. , Backman, K. , Moore, D. , Hallo, J. and Powell, R. (2014) Household Poverty Dimensions Influencing Forest Dependence at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: An Application of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. Natural Resources, 5, 1031-1047. doi: 10.4236/nr.2014.516087.