What was one social effect of deforestation?

Correct answer: Difficulties of forest dependent communities increased

The direct answer is A: deforestation increased the difficulties of communities dependent on forests. Such communities used forests for fuel, fodder, fruits, tubers, leaves, medicines, hunting, grazing and sometimes shifting cultivation. When trees were removed or access was restricted, these daily resources became scarce or harder to obtain. Step by step: forests supplied necessities; cutting reduced supplies and colonial rules limited access; therefore livelihoods, food collection and household work became more difficult. Option A is correct because it states this social effect. Option B is absurd because deforestation did not give everyone free gold. Option C is false because forest-dependent people were directly affected. Option D is imaginary and has no connection with social history. Exam cue: social impact asks how ordinary people’s work, food and livelihood changed.