Influence of Deforestation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

There are ample facts that the whole world is facing an ecological crisis by reason of heavy deforestation. Thus, this study assesses the influence of deforestation on some selected villages in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State. Data were collected from members of the community using a set of structured questionnaire. This was then analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and frequency count). Findings reveal that the major occupation is trading (33.3%), followed by farming (30%). The causes of deforestation in the study area include: fuelwood removal (31.7%), urbanization (25.0), logging (20.0%), subsistence farming (15.8%), population growth and overpopulation (3.3%), commercial farming (2.5%) and inequitable distribution of wealth and power (1.7%). Global warming (31.7%) was the major effect generated by deforestation in the study area, followed by soil erosion (24.2%). Encouragement of better agroforestry practices (30.8%) was seen as the major strategy for reducing deforestation by the respondents. Other best practices include: afforestation (27.5%), public enlightenment (13.3%), enforcement of forest land and policy (12.5%), forest education (8.3%), forest conservation and preservation (7.5%)