1.1 Introduction
Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees and conversion of forested areas to non-forested land for uses such as agriculture, urban development, or mining. Deforestation often leads to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems (FAO, 2020). Deforestation occurs for many reasons: trees are cut down to be used or sold as fuel (sometimes in the form of charcoal) or timber, while cleared land is used as pasture for livestock, plantations of commodities and settlements. The removal of trees without sufficient reforestation has resulted in damage to habitat, biodiversity loss and aridity. It has adverse impacts on bio-sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Subsistence farming is responsible for 48% of deforestation; commercial agriculture is responsible for 32% of deforestation; logging is responsible for 14% of deforestation and fuel wood removals make up 5% of deforestation. Other causes of contemporary deforestation may include corruption of government institutions, the inequitable distribution of wealth and power, population growth and overpopulation, and urbanization. Globalization is often viewed as another root cause of deforestation, though there are cases in which the impacts of globalization (new flows of labor, capital, commodities, and ideas) have promoted localized forest recovery.
Deforestation is a contributor to global warming, and is often cited as one of the major causes of the enhanced greenhouse effect. Tropical deforestation is responsible for approximately 20% of world greenhouse gas emissions. In deforested areas, the land heat up faster and reaches a higher temperature, leading to localized upward motions that enhance the formation of clouds and ultimately produce more rainfall.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Deforestation is one of the indiscriminate anthropogenic activities contributing to erosion, flooding, loss of soil nutrients, poor agricultural produce, global warming, climate variability, climate change and desertification (Audu, 2013; Mfon et al., 2014). Deforestation has global consequences, primarily because of the influence on carbon exchange (Alamu and Agbeja, 2011) and it accounts for 87 percent of total carbon emission in Nigeria. Forest degradation occurs when the ecosystem functions of the forest are degraded but where the area remains forested rather cleared (Anon., 2010).
For years remorseless destruction of forests has been going on and we have not been able to comprehend the dimension until recently. Nobody knows exactly how much of the world’s rainforests have already been destroyed and continue to be razed each year. Data is often imprecise and subject to differing interpretations. However, it is obvious that the area of tropical rainforest is diminishing as observed in the case of Odighi forest in Odighi Local government area of Edo State and the rate of tropical rain forest destruction is escalating worldwide, despite increased environmental activism and awareness. Deforestation is the conversion of forest to an alternative permanent non-forested land use such as agriculture, grazing or urban development (van Kooten et al, 2000).
The Russian Federation, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America and China were the most forest rich countries accounting to 53 per cent of the total forest area of the globe. Another 64 countries having a combined population of two billions was reported to have forest on less than ten per cent of their total land area and unfortunately ten of these countries have no forest at all. Among these countries 16 are such which had relatively substantial forest areas of more 1than one million hectares each and three of these countries namely Chad, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Mongolia each had more than ten million hectares of forest. The forest area remained fairly stable in North and Central America while it expanded in Europe during the past decade. Asian continent especially in India and China due to their large scale afforestation programme in the last decade registered a net gain in forest area. Conversely the South America, Africa and Oceania had registered the net annual loss of forest area (Anon., 2010).
The water cycle is also affected by deforestation. Trees extract groundwater through their roots and release it into the atmosphere. When part of a forest is removed, the trees no longer transpire this water, resulting in a much drier climate. Deforestation reduces the content of water in the soil and groundwater as well as atmospheric moisture. The dry soil leads to lower water intake for the trees to extract. Deforestation reduces soil cohesion, so that erosion, flooding and landslides ensue.
In this way, deforestation is a mjor issue when it comes to global warming (Ogbuene, 2010). Health problems associated with global warming include heat stroke, climate stress on agriculture predisposing to malnutrition, increase in the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes putting 65% of the world population on the risk of malaria infection. These increase morbidity and mortality rate (Mfrekemfon and Konwea, 2014).
Many developing countries, like Nigeria, are suffering from serious environmental degradation primarily because of the rapid growth in population which has not only brought about gross encroachment and damage to natural forest, wildlife, land, water and even air but has also brought unacceptable quality of life conditions in the human community environment (Oduntan et al., 2013).The forest reserve in Nigeria is estimated to cover about 10 million hectares, which accounts for more than 10% of land area approximately 96.2 million of ha (Ikuomola et al., 2016). However, Nigeria has the worst deforestation rate in the world which is attributed to her increasing population with high poverty level. The annual rate of deforestation in Nigeria is 3.5% which is approximately 350,000-400,000 hectares per year (Mfrekemfon and Konwea, 2014); resulting in more than 50% loss of primary forests in the past decades through unsustainable logging, agriculture, as well as fuel wood collection (Mfon et al., 2014).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the effect of deforestation on rural household income.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that there is enough evidence that the whole world is facing an environmental crisis on account of heavy deforestation. For several years, there has been remorseless of destruction which must be put under control to avoid some bad consequences associated with deforestation. Nobody knows exactly how much of the world’s rainforests have already been destroyed and continue to be razed each year. Data is often imprecise and subject to differing interpretations. However, this research work will focus on the effect of deforestation on the rural house hold income.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of deforestation on rural household income. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the extent of deforestation in the study area and its correlation with rural household income.
- To evaluate the changes in income sources of rural households due to deforestation.
- To identify the socio-economic factors that influences the vulnerability of rural households to the effects of deforestation.
- To explore potential alternative livelihoods for rural households that could mitigate the economic impacts of deforestation.
- To provide recommendations for policy interventions that could support rural households in adapting to the economic challenges posed by deforestation.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the extent of deforestation in the study area, and how does it correlate with changes in rural household income?
- How have rural household income sources been affected by deforestation?
- What socio-economic factors contribute to the vulnerability of rural households to the economic impacts of deforestation?
- What alternative livelihoods or income-generating activities could help rural households mitigate the effects of deforestation on their income?
- What policy measures could be implemented to support rural households in adapting to the economic challenges associated with deforestation?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will provide critical insights into how deforestation affects the income and livelihood sustainability of rural households. It will help policymakers understand the economic implications of forest loss, leading to more informed decisions regarding land use and environmental conservation. The research findings will also benefit rural communities by highlighting the need for alternative income-generating activities that do not rely on deforestation.
Additionally, this study will contribute to academic discourse on the intersection of environmental degradation and rural poverty, offering a foundation for future research. Finally, it will assist non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in designing targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation on rural economies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on Deforestation’s Effects on Rural Household Income in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The study on deforestation's effect on rural household income was subject to several limitations that impacted the scope and depth of the research.
- Insufficient data was a significant challenge, as access to comprehensive and up-to-date information from all relevant areas was limited.
- Frequent power failures during data collection and analysis phases also hindered the timely completion of the study.
- Additionally, delays from respondents in providing necessary information slowed the research process. Financial constraints limited the ability to expand the study to a larger sample size or incorporate more advanced analytical tools.
- Finally, time constraints restricted the extent to which the study could explore additional variables that may influence the relationship between deforestation and rural household income.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Deforestation: The permanent removal of trees and conversion of forested areas to non-forested land for uses such as agriculture, urban development, or mining. Deforestation often leads to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems (FAO, 2020).
Rural Household Income: The total income earned by households located in rural areas, primarily derived from agricultural activities, forest resources, small-scale businesses, and wage labor. It serves as an essential indicator of the economic well-being and livelihood sustainability of rural communities (World Bank, 2021).
Environmental Degradation: The deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil, and the destruction of ecosystems and habitats. Deforestation is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, especially in rural areas dependent on natural resources (UNEP, 2019).
