The Causality of Deforestation in North-Central Nigeria: Case Study of Shendam Urban Area, Plateau State

Abstract

Deforestation in Africa is a major contributor to global warming, erosion, annual flooding and food shortage in Africa. In Africa, 90 percent of the population uses wood for fuel. Forests provide many products/benefits to the people but these forest resources are depleted continuously without replacement. Shendam District is geographically located between latitude 8º53′43.88″N and longitude 9º27′13.41″S in Shendam Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Plateau State, Nigeria. The research was a case study undertaken to assess the causalities of deforestation and questionnaires were administered in ward A, ward B and Pangwasa ward of Shendam District. Anthropogenic activities is the cause of forest lost in the study area and the major effects outlined in the study area are biodiversity loss, high temperature, soil erosion, migration and flooding. The activities causing damage to roads, culverts and bridges in Shendam District and its environs. Reducing the rates of deforestation and forest regeneration is among the solution to deforestation in Shendam district and its environs. Better management practices requires the need for Public Sensitization on the effects of deforestation, Public Private Partnership (PPP) in tree planting, Rural –Urban Afforestation Programme and the policy of cut-one-tree and plant-five trees instead, should be enforced in Shendam District. Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) should be strengthened for capacity development and human empowerment. The measures will provide alternative means of livelihood and reduce soil erosion, land degradation, flood impact, not only in Shendam L.G.A., but the entire Plateau State.

Keywords: Deforestation, Anthropogenic activities, Capacity development, Tree planting