Effects of Anthropogenic Activities on Okoklo Forest Reserve in Benue State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Developing countries including Nigeria are saddled with problems emanating from environmental deterioration which has great impact on the forests. This study investigated the anthropogenic activities in Okoklo Forest Reserve Benue State to determine their implication on the sustainable management of forests. Vegetation survey method and questionnaire were employed to determine the effects of human activities on the reserve. A stratified random sampling design was used in the study for Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea. Three (3) plots of 20 m x 20 m were randomly laid in each compartment of the plantation. The plots were located at least 50 m apart. A total of six (6) sample plots of 20 m x 20 m totalling 400 m2 were laid. In each of the 20x 20 study plots, trees > 20 cm girth at breast height (gbh) were identified, counted and their girth measured. The girth of trees were grouped into six classes and the frequency of each were indicated. The study revealed that urbanization, fuel wood collection, bush burning, logging and land clearing ranked the major anthropogenic activities affecting sustainable forest management. It was observed that the class 41-50 had recorded the highest number of trees for all the species while no tree was recorded in the 20-30 class. The study therefore concluded that there was degradation of forest which could lead to complete loss of forests and recommended advocacy on the part of Government about the environmental damage caused by these anthropogenic activities and the strict enforcement of forest laws.
Authors and Affiliations
B. I. Dagba, L. N. Sambe, J. E. Adia
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP338698
- DOI 10.9734/AJEE/2017/33296
- Views 69
- Downloads 0
Impact of Abattoir Effluents on the pH, Organic Matter, Heavy Metal Levels and Microbial Composition of Surrounding Soils in Calabar Municipality
This study examined the impact of abattoir activities on the heavy metal levels and microbial composition in surrounding soils receiving abattoir effluents within Calabar Metropolis. A total of nine composite soil sample...
A Study of Cyclists Activity Involvement, Place Attachment, Satisfaction and Loyalty
The purpose of this study is to analyze cyclist’s activity involvement, place attachment and satisfaction, how to affect their loyalty for bikeway. A total of 451 respondents completed a survey conducted on Tanyashen Gre...
Floristic Composition and Characterization of Legume Flora in Parklands of Aguié Department, Niger, West Africa
Due to the absence of a botanical assessment on legume flora in Aguié, so the study was conducted on parklands of Aguié Department to determine the floristic composition and characterize the flora. The characterization c...
Groundwater Quality Aspect Owing to Urbanization in Langat Basin (Kajang, Semenyih) Malaysia
Aims: Unrefined industrial sewerage and unplanned water use changes groundwater quality and pollutes environment which is vulnerable to Langat basin of Malaysia. This research has aimed to find the water pollution trend...
Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) in Nigeria and the Reality of Climate Change - A Review
Since the beginning of time, nature has fed us, cured and protected us. Today, the roles have been reversed, we need to feed nature and protect it if we must secure a healthy and prosperous future for generations to come...