Forest degradation has become a major concern in many countries around the world as it has become one of the most debilitating land use crisis in tropical ecosystems. Hence, this study assessed the forest degradation indices in Mokwa forest reserve. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and field reconnaissance survey. Five settlements were selected in and around the forest reserve namely Mokwa, Jangi, Epa, Kpataki and Tswanle. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that farming (41.7%) was the main occupation of the people, artisan works (18.8%) and studentship had the least (4.2%). Briquetting of charcoal (20.8%) was the highest causes of forest degradation; commercial farming (18.8%), overgrazing (16.7%) and population increase was the least (4.2%).Global warming (22.9%) was the major effect ofdegradation in the study area, soil erosion (20.8%) and the least was low rainfall (9.4%). Agroforestry practices (27.1%) were recorded as the main mitigation measure for reducing degradation in the area. This was followed by Afforestation and enrichment planting (22.9%), tree planting campaign (18.8%) and the least was forest conservation and management (6.3%). The stepwise multiple regression analysis of the causes with other variables showed that briquetting of charcoal had the highest R2 (0.88), followed by commercial farming R2 (0.84), while population increase had the least R2 (0.57). Nevertheless, sustainable empowerment programs are recommended to boost the livelihood of the rural populace and to reduce the overdependence of the people on the forest reserve. Keywords: forest degradation, enrichment planting, livelihood, briquetting.
This study examines the effects of the emerging grazing policies on land degradation in Nigeria using soil, vegetation and sustainability as variables for the assessment. Data was acquired and analyzed and the results show that conflicts between farmers and herders occur all over Nigeria. The consequences of these affect lives, properties and the environment. The country now has approximately 210 persons and 180 grazing animals per kilometer square of land and 15,000 persons and 12,500 grazing animals per kilometer square of water. With the population of both man and grazing animals increasing at very high rates, the need for both food and fodder is becoming more desperate. This impact negatively on the soil, vegetation and water when there is intensive grazing without proper conservation plans in place. This study therefore, suggests the adoption of the emerging grazing policies, but with the modification that will build in agroforestry system of agriculture to suit each ecological zone. This is with a view to solving socio-economic problems of farmers and herders, and also to protect the environment from degradation. © JASEM https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v21i6.32
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