IMPACT OF FOREST DEGRADATION ON RURAL LIVELIHOOD

ABSTRACT

The study evaluates the impact of forest degradation on rural livelihood of Ekiadolor Community, Edo State. The Survey was carried out through the use of well-structured questionnaire. A total number of 138 copies of questionnaires were administered to each household who are farmers, hunters and sellers of forest products such as leaves, bark, fruits, snails, bush meats at the community market. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage summarized in table and charts and inferences statistics and the use of analysis of variance ANOVA at 5% level of significant Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the mean of variable that was significant at 5% level. The result showed that (55%) of the respondent sourced their income from the forest while 17%, 15%, 5%. 4%, 3% and 1% obtained their resources from hunting, farming, government work, trading, artisan and farm hand labour respectively. The result revealed significant differences among various period of dependency on forest estate as source of lively hood. Further analysis revealed that the period of 2002-2007 dominated other periods considered in the study under review. Consumer price index increased from the start of 2014-2023 and a significant increase was also observed in 2023 in each of the forest product. The result showed that there was significant difference among income accruable from forest products considered in the study. Further analysis revealed that income from sales of snails dominated other NTFPs in the study area. The result showed the diversity indices for animal and plant species which accounted for 36.391 and 2.156 respectively. The forest plays a vital role in the vast majority of the respondent used for this study. Government should create job opportunity for the local people as an alternative means of income.