The impact of socio-economic activities of rural dwellers on forest resources in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The socio-economic profile and activities of forest occupants on wise-use of forest resources in Idumuje-Ugboko Forest Reserve (IUFR) in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State was examined. Sampling techniques (purposive, and multistage) were used to acquire information from 120 respondents with the aid of structured questionnaire and oral interview. Data generated were analyzed using frequency count, percentages, mean score and multiple regressions techniques. The result obtained showed that most respondents were males, had mean household size of 7 persons and were married. The result revealed respondents were engaged in multiple activities with farming being the most dominant. The respondents agreed that logging and grazing negatively impacted forest conservation in IUFR. The study also revealed that bribe/threat and poaching were recorded as the most serious clash in forest conservation during the pandemic era with mean scores of 3.24 and 3.32 respectively. It is recommended that multiple use forest management be adopted by forest dwellers of IUFR to allow for sustainable socio-economic activities and minimize conflicts in forest resources management.