Activity 1

Activity 1: determination of the effect of deforestation on fish diversity

Fish populations will be sampled in both rivers where the sorrounding riparian vegetation has not been modified and where they have been cleared for agricultural purposes, in the three countries comprising the study area. Simpson diversity index (Simpson, 1949) will be used to ascertain the diversity of fish species in both rivers within natural forests and those in rivers surrounded by farmlands using Past statistical software. In each country, water samples will be collected from 50 points in rivers near farmlands, and within the natural forest. Chemical Water analysis will be carried out to ascertain the chemical composition of the different water samples, and comparisons made between rivers within natural forests and those around farmlands.