ASSESSING THE RATE OF FOREST DEGRADATION IN DOMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Authors

  • SYLVESTER, ESTHER GORO Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi Author
  • MARCUS, N. D Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi Author
  • OGAH, A.T Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi Author

Keywords:

Forest Degradation, Vegetation Loss, Environmental Implications, Sustainable Forest Management, Doma

Abstract

Forests are essential components of the Earth's ecosystems, providing ecological, economic, and social benefits. However, they face significant threats, including forest degradation, which refers to the long-term reduction in forest quality without complete removal. The study assessed the rate of forest degradation in Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between 1992 – 2022; a temporal scope of 30 years, using geo-spatial analysis techniques, including GIS and remote sensing. The findings from the study revealed that, 0ver the 30-year study period (1992-2022), there has been a substantial loss of vegetation cover in Doma LGA. Vegetation cover decreased from 85.42% of the total land area in 1992 to 24.84% in 2022, indicating a consistent decline in forest quality. The spatial distribution of forest degradation varied across administrative wards within Doma LGA. Some wards, such as Alagye, Akpanaja, and Agbashi, experienced high rates of forest degradation, while others, like Sabon Gari, Sarkin Dawaki, and Madauchi, showed relatively lower rates. The study also revealed that, the primary drivers of forest degradation in Doma LGA include climate change effects, human activities such as agriculture, lumbering, and conversion of forested areas to other land uses. These drivers have contributed to the significant loss of vegetation cover observed. The study further revealed that, the annual rate of vegetation loss increased over the study period. Between 1992 and 2002, there was an annual decline rate of 44.55 km²/year, which escalated to 70.30 km²/year between 2002 and 2012 and 49.25 km²/year between 2012 and 2022. This acceleration in degradation underscores the urgency of addressing the issue. The study concluded that, forest degradation has far-reaching ecological, economic, and social implications. It leads to biodiversity loss, reduced carbon sequestration, and adverse socio-economic effects on local communities relying on forest resources for their livelihoods. The study however recommended mitigating measures to address the pressing issue of forest degradation in Doma, which include sustainable forest management,

afforestation and reforestation, community engagement, policy interventions, climate resilience, and monitoring and research. The study thus provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of forest degradation in Doma, and serves as a resource for stakeholders seeking to combat this pressing environmental challenge.

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Published

08-11-2024

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How to Cite

SYLVESTER, ESTHER GORO, MARCUS, N. D, & OGAH, A.T. (2024). ASSESSING THE RATE OF FOREST DEGRADATION IN DOMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Research, 6(4). https://ssaapublications.com/sjber/article/view/342

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