ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF SOLID BIOMASS-DRIVEN DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION IN MALUMFASHI, LGA, KATSINA STATE

Abstract

This study assessed the perceived ecological and socio-economic impact of
deforestation and forest degradation arising from the consumption of solid biomass in
Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Taro Yamani's (1967) formula
for sample size determination was used in determining the sample size and a total of 400
questionnaires were administered to the respondents across the LGA using systematic sampling
method. The questionnaires were administered to the target respondents who are the head of
households. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables.
The study revealed that loss of biodiversity, ecological stability and reduction in density of
trees was the major perceived impact and accounted for 44.5%, this is followed by desert
encroachment and increased frequency of dust storms (24.0%), soil degradation resulting in
loss of soil fertility and soil erosion accounts for 21.5%. The results further discovered that
77.5% of the respondents agreed that deforestation and forest degradation arising from solid
biomass consumption have led to a change in the density of trees. The result further showed
that 45.5% of the respondents were of the opinion that loss of vegetation and reduction in
density of trees have resulted in the scarcity of cooking fuels and timber resources was the
major socio-economic impact of deforestation and forest degradation. Reduction in fodder
resources, edible fruits, leaves and medicinal herbs in turn resulting in severe food shortages
and insecurity account for 25.0% of the responses. This study concluded that deforestation and
forest degradation arising from the consumption of solid biomass play a significant role in the
degradation of the environment and was identified as one of the human environmental
interventions affecting the ecological and socio-economic stability of the local communities.
The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders should be committed to
more urgent action to control the menace of deforestation and forest degradation by providing
cheap, affordable and efficient alternative energy sources to solid biomass. It is also
recommended that robust and result-oriented proactive strategies, policies and programs
aimed at improving afforestation, reforestation, agro forestry, the establishment of more
woodlots and protection of existing forest reserves to reduce the rate of deforestation and forest
degradation should be put in place and appropriate sanctions must enforce on defaulters and
incentives for promoters of tree planting be encouraged and provided.