World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) - University of Port Harcourt
Abstract
Forest degradation has become a major concern in many countries around
the world as it has become one of the most debilitating land use crisis
in tropical ecosystems. Hence, this study assessed the forest
degradation indices in Mokwa forest reserve. Data were collected using
structured questionnaires and field reconnaissance survey. Five
settlements were selected in and around the forest reserve namely
Mokwa, Jangi, Epa, Kpataki and Tswanle. Data were analyzed using
descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that farming
(41.7%) was the main occupation of the people, artisan works (18.8%)
and studentship had the least (4.2%). Briquetting of charcoal (20.8%)
was the highest causes of forest degradation; commercial farming
(18.8%), overgrazing (16.7%) and population increase was the least
(4.2%).Global warming (22.9%) was the major effect of degradation in
the study area, soil erosion (20.8%) and the least was low rainfall
(9.4%). Agroforestry practices (27.1%) were recorded as the main
mitigation measure for reducing degradation in the area. This was
followed by Afforestation and enrichment planting (22.9%), tree
planting campaign (18.8%) and the least was forest conservation and
management (6.3%). The stepwise multiple regression analysis of the
causes with other variables showed that briquetting of charcoal had the
highest R2 (0.88), followed by commercial farming R2 (0.84), while
population increase had the least R2 (0.57). Nevertheless, sustainable
empowerment programs are recommended to boost the livelihood of the
rural populace and to reduce the overdependence of the people on the
forest reserve