I.

Description of the Problem

Deforestation

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to utilize the land or

trees. Typically, deforestation is clearing a lot of trees without the intention of
establishing future growth. The loss of trees, which anchor the soil with their roots,
causes widespread erosion throughout the tropics. This problem has led to another
problem and that is soil Erosion.

Soil Erosion
Soil erosion has been considered as the primary cause of soil degradation because soil
erosion leads to the loss of topsoil and soil organic matter, which are essential for the
growing of plants. After heavy tropical rains fall on cleared forest lands, the run-off
carries soil into local creeks and rivers. The rivers carry the eroded soils downstream,
causing significant problems. Due to heavy rainfall the landforms can also break down
and cause landslides as the soil structure gradually deteriorates.

Landslide
Weathering and erosion usually wear away landscapes fairly slowly. A landslide occurs
when a huge mass of rock and soil suddenly breaks off a hillside, engulfing everything
in its path. Landslides can cause great destruction and can even wipe out whole towns.
Landslides often strike after heavy rain or snow has fallen. Loose soil and rocks begin to
trickle downhill; then gravity takes over and the whole hillside slips away. Without tree or
plant roots to anchor the soil, heavy rain easily washes it away. Landslides, mudflows,
and avalanches are called mass wasting. Mass wasting is sometimes triggered by a
volcanic eruption or by an earthquake.

Difficulty crossing the river due to rising water levels during and after heavy rain.
This problem is specific to this area. This is a problem in the community because it has
been a challenge for people to facilitate the work and to get to their destination as soon
as possible. Because of the difficult way to cross a river here, the activities of the people
are much more difficult, slow, and tedious.
 II. Description how the community problems were identified.

The problems were identified based on the common complaints in their community and
due to the lack of environmental protection; these problems are exacerbated by
people's daily activities. These problems were identified because it occurs too frequent
in this community. These occurring problems don’t only affect the biological diversity but
also the daily activities of every concerned member of that community. Here are the
following reasons how the problems were identified:

Deforestation:
This problem is identified because it is too obvious based on the people we have
acquired the information for. This problem is often case because many illegal loggers
come to this specific area to cut down trees to be used for Woo-based industries.
Wood-based industries such as paper, matchsticks, and furniture need a substantial
quantity of wood. Lumber and charcoal are common examples of trees being used as
fuel. Cooking and heating all around the world use these resources and half of the
illegal removal from forests is thought to be used as fuel wood. Selective logging is
where only the most valuable trees are felled, however, this doesn't help our problem
as one large tree may bring down surrounding trees and thin the forest canopy. The
forest canopy is extremely important to the ecosystem as it houses animals, protects
plants and insect population, and protects the forest floor.

Soil Erosion:
Because of the excessive usage of trees (Deforestation) it causes soil erosion. Because
the roots of trees hold soil tightly and prevent the soil from erosion. If we cut trees the
roots leave the soil and so that the soil will erode. When forest is cut down, nothing is
there to protect the soil. Once the forests are cut down, the erosive effects are much
worse than on flat land. Erosion and rainfall in such places can cause huge mudslides.
This can cause serious land degradation. Loss of trees and other vegetation may cause
soil erosion.

Landslides:
The landslide is not frequent or is only occasional in this area but its effect when it
occurs is extremely severe as it not only adversely affects the environment but also
affects their income and their future. This problem has been identified by the extent to
which people complain about their safety. This is what they fear because they are
especially distracted when heavy rains occur.

Difficulty crossing the river due to rising water levels during and after heavy rain:
This is one of the problems we have identified in our chosen community because as
what we have observed; lack of facilities impedes the development of a community.
Because the government officials in this area lack the proper planning; economic
development projects are not implemented properly in this area. According to our
sources of information this is a problem in their community because it makes their day
to day work transactions difficult. According to the people concerned about this problem,
it didn’t only become a hindrance to daily activities but it also becomes an obstacle
because crossing the river was never been easy. They can be especially dangerous
when water levels rise especially when it is raining. Other people in the community
added that they could do nothing because action could not be taken to solve this
problem due to lack of funding to build the bridge as a project.