Socio-Economic And Environmental Effects Of Deforestation In Emohua Lga, Rivers State, Nigeria
Kika H A
Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Ikezam P
Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Keywords: Deforestation, Socio-economic, Environmental, Emohua, Landsat
Abstract
The study examined the socio-economic and environmental effects of deforestation in Emohua LGA Rivers State, Nigeria. However, 150 copies of questionnaire were administered to residents of the LGAs to elicit information about the residents’ perception of rate, causes and effects of deforestation in the study area. Descriptive statistics using frequencies and percentages were employed for the data analysis. Findings showed that males were 63.3% and respondents with age bracket between 18 and 25 years were the highest (37.3%). Majority (43.3%) were single while more than 80% were formally educated and more than 60% were gainfully employed. Results showed that factors affecting deforestation included increase in consumption rate of wood (73.3%), indiscriminate seasonal felling of trees (84%), burning of bushes (74%), inadequate execution of environmental laws and regulations (76.7%) and overdependence on forest resources as energy (80.7%). The rate of deforestation was high as claimed by majority (42%), moderate (35.3%) and low (22.7%). The effect of deforestation included scarcity of raw materials (51.3%), and means of livelihood are affected (35.3%) and air quality and prevention of soil fertility (13.3%). The study concluded that there was reduction in the forest coverage. Thus, it is recommended among others that environmental laws should be adequately promulgated and implemented to reduce the level of deforestation.