Growth in Farming Population and Land Depletion and Deforestation in Rural Communities of Cross River State: The Case of Obubra Local Government Area, Nigeria

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between growth in farming population and land depletion and deforestation among rural communities in the context of Nigeria society, using Obubra in CrossRiverState as a case study. Relevant literature was reviewed to put the issue in proper light, while a sample of five hundred and twelve (512) was used to gather data and the linear regression analysis to test the relationship. The findings and implications of the study reveal Nigeria and Obubra Local Government Area in particular are still lagging in agricultural transformation and forest preservations because of the growth in farming population. The practical implications is that an understanding of the current threat can help policy makers in the country pursue new agricultural techniques for rural farmers on the one hand, and would be of importance for the growing youthful population to accept agriculture for Nigeria’s economic future success on the other. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n2p23