Swamp Forest Use and Loss in the Niger Delta: Contextual and Underlying Issues

Abstract

Forest ecosystems are vital not only for the ecosystem and biogeochemical processes, but also for the livelihood of forest dependent communities for which its continual existence is a necessity. This study explored the pattern of forest use in the hinterlands of the Niger Delta and sought to elucidate the drivers of forest loss and how the ownership and management of the forest plots influenced the changes in the forest ecosystem. Ecosystem services reduction and forest loss/degradation were found to be increasing over the years due to crude oil activities, urbanization/developments, population increase, agricultural activities and natural causes like flood. While each factor contributed to forest loss directly and indirectly, and varied from community to community, agricultural activities and population growth were responsible for most of the losses across the landscape. Even though agricultural activities were essential and thrived in the region, sustainable forest (land) uses could have reduced the associated implications of such land uses; but this was however hampered by the farming practises (shifting cultivation) across most of the communities. Lack of proper, effective and sustainable forest management structures, poor individual commitment and monitoring of forest activities were found to encourage forest loss at different spatial scales. Provision of alternative sources of livelihood and ensuring that suitable guidelines on forest abstraction and harvest are enforced across the region, are steps to promoting biodiversity conservation and resource management.

Indigenous People’s Contribution to the Mitigation of Climate Variation, Their Perception, and Organizing Strategy for Sustainable Community Based Forest Resources Management in <i>Caraballo</i> Mountain, Philippines

“…Ironically, their role in mitigation and adaptation to climate change is rarely recognized [6], [7]. They are seldom consulted on the issue because their local observation deviates from the science based interpretation and observation of media and government organizations [8]. The study is intended to measure the level of awareness of indigenous community on climate variation, and describe their initiative, mitigation and adaptation practices.…”

Ecological Implications of Non-Standardized Crude Oil Refining Operation on Blue Carbon Resources in the Niger Delta

“…The Niger Delta has five ecological zones, which are mangrove forest and coastal vegetation, fresh water swamp forest, low land rain forest, derived savannah, and montane region (Ogbeibu & Oribhabor, 2023). Of these, the freshwater swamp forest is the largest and major source of timber, wildlife, fisheries, and agriculture and is highly prone to seasonal flooding (Igu, 2017).…”

Land Cover Change in a Freshwater Swamp Forest Landscape: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

“…Since this trend persisted over the years, much of the areas covered with Journal of Environmental Protection vegetation were lost, very little gain was experienced and vegetation persisted or remained unchanged in some other areas ( Figure 6). among the major reasons for forest cover changes and losses experienced across many tropical landscapes [16] [17] [18], with variations in intensity across different scales. Agricultural activities (farmlands) were seen to grow over the period under review across the landscape due to factors related to population growth and the quest to meet the demands for food and income across the region.…”