Deforestation and environmental laws : an awareness study at Platklip village in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge and awareness of Platklip residents about the existing environmental laws and deforestation. The target population for the study was Platklip residents with the following characteristics: age 15 and above; period of 1 year and above as Platklip resident; educational attainment from SUB-A and above. The sample consisted of 130 respondents, 56 men and 74 females. Questionnaires were used to assess the awareness of Platklip residents. The processing of the results was done by using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS). The findings were presented through descriptive analysis and frequencies. The aim was to find out if Platklip residents have any knowledge or awareness about deforestation. Their knowledge and awareness of the existing environmental laws were also investigated. The recommendations to the escalating problem of deforestation at Platklip were also discussed