Eastern Equatoria minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Irrigation, Cooperatives and Rural Development has issued a warning over unauthorized cutting of trees.
Mark Akio issued the warning on Tuesday during a field visit to the Agoro Samboro area of Magwi County where serious deforestation is taking place, Radio Emmanuel reported.He warned that if communities do not stop cutting trees they likely cause desertification in the region.
Mr Akio urged the people to concentrate on agriculture instead of cutting trees to earn money for paying school fees and other needs.
Community members told the minister that they cut trees to make space for cultivation.
They said they used the trees for making charcoal, a source of income to cater for the needs of their children.