Incidence of deforestation among the populace and environment of odighi community

Project Abstract

Deforestation is a critical environmental issue that has significant impacts on both the populace and the environment of Odighi community. This research project aims to investigate the incidence of deforestation in Odighi community, focusing on the causes, effects, and possible solutions to address this pressing concern. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with community members. The research will first examine the causes of deforestation in Odighi community, including agricultural expansion, logging, infrastructure development, and fuelwood collection. By identifying the primary drivers of deforestation, the study seeks to understand the underlying factors contributing to this environmental degradation. In addition, the project will assess the effects of deforestation on the local populace and environment, such as loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, disruption of water cycles, and negative impacts on community livelihoods. Furthermore, the research will explore the perceptions and attitudes of Odighi community members towards deforestation, as well as their knowledge of sustainable land management practices. By engaging with the local population, the study aims to gain insights into community perspectives on deforestation and potential barriers to implementing conservation efforts. Through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, the project will capture the voices of those directly affected by deforestation and incorporate their input into the research findings. In terms of solutions, the research project will investigate existing conservation initiatives in Odighi community and assess their effectiveness in addressing deforestation. Additionally, the study will explore potential strategies for promoting sustainable land use practices and enhancing community involvement in forest conservation efforts. By identifying best practices and lessons learned from past conservation projects, the research aims to provide recommendations for future interventions to mitigate deforestation in Odighi community. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on deforestation in Odighi community and provide valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and environmental organizations working to address this pressing issue. By investigating the causes, effects, and solutions to deforestation, the study aims to promote sustainable land management practices and foster greater awareness of the importance of forest conservation among the populace and environment of Odighi community.

Project Overview

<p> Today &nbsp;forest occupy approximately one third of earth land area, account for two third of the leaf area of plants on land and contain 70 percent of carbon present in living things .Thus, the food and agricultural organization (FAO) of the united nations estimates that in 2000, 38.7 million square kilometer of land on earth is forested. Forest is essential to all human life because people who live within the forest zone depend on them for survival in many ways. These include food, medicine, fuel wood, shelter, clothing, timber, construction materials e.t.c. The forest also clean the air, water, ameliorate the climate, check water and wind erosion (Azeke, 2003). Forest contains roughly 90 percent of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.<br>However, forest is a major causality of civilization as human population have increased over the past several thousand years (with the world population today estimated to number 7.001 billion by united state census Bureau) bringing deforestation, pollution and industrial usages problems to this important biome (forest).The contributions of forests to human well-being can only be sustained if the forests are themselves sustained.(Food and Agricultural Organization, FAO 1994).But Nigeria has lost most of her natural forest cover which is a serious problem, with forest loss occurring at a rate of 3.5 percent per year, which translate to a loss of 350,000 to 400,000 hectares per year (Adedoyin 2001, Aruofor 2000).Since 1990, the country has lost over 6 million ha or 36 percent of its forests cover. Nigeria has been losing an average 11 percent of its primary forest each year. This figure gives Nigeria the highest deforestation rate of natural forest in the world.<br>Deforestation is the removal of forest stand where the land is put to a non – forests use (SAFnet Dictionary). Deforestation results from subsistence farming, commercial farming, road construction projects, logging, mining and dam construction. However, Hazel and Lutz (1998) attributed resources degradation in extensive rain fed farming (characteristic of tropical forest environment) areas to poverty and population growth. Scherr and Hazell (1994) also identified conversion of primary forest to agriculture, with attendant loss of biodiversity, climate change and expose of fragile soil as part of environmental problems emanating from rain fed farming (which cause deforestation).Deforestation could be caused by plantations and commodities and settlements. <br></p>