IMPACT OF DEFORESTATION ON LAND DEGREDATION IN SHIRORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract The two dynamic but opposing forces that dominate the broad canvas of the history of degradation of environment in general and deforestation in particular are conservation and exploitation. This study examined the impact of deforestation on Land degradation in Shiroro LGA, Niger State of Nigeria. The study utilized Landsat Image of year (TM 1998, ETM+ 2008, OLI 2018) responses from interview and questionnaire administered were analyzed. The results revealed that there were continuous changes among the various land use and land cover features, also that built up areas was on the increase from 946.9791 (Km²) to 1528.277 (Km²) while forest cover was on the decrease from 2790.554Km² to 191.001 (Km²). The findings of the study also shows that agriculture expansion, livestock rearing, overpopulation, logging for fuel, urbanization and infrastructural development among others are the major causes of deforestation in the study area. The resultant consequence of deforestation in the study area are; reduction on crop yield and agricultural produce, exposure of top soil to erosion, decreased biodiversity, habitat loss, extinction of species, displacement of indigenous people, loss of soil macro and many more. Adaptation and mitigation strategies include training programmes on renewable energy technology to replace the use of forest produce for energy, increasing the area and standard management of protected areas, and increase the area of forest permanently reserved for timber production. It is recommended that afforestation, reforestation, tree husbandry and tree planting in the area should be encouraged, government should empower local farmers with available and sustainable knowledge on forest management, forest extension services to the rural households that engage in forestry activities should be strengthened.