INFLUENCE OF DEFORESTATION ON LIVELIHOOD AND INCOME OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ODIGHI, EDO STATE

ATTENTION:

BEFORE YOU READ THE ABSTRACT OR CHAPTER ONE OF THE PROJECT TOPICS BELOW, PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW.THANK YOU!

INFORMATION:

YOU CAN GET THE COMPLETE PROJECT OF THE TOPIC BELOW. THE FULL PROJECT COST N5,000 ONLY. THE FULL INFORMATION ON HOW TO PAY AND GET THE COMPLETE PROJECT IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. OR

YOU CAN CALL: 08068231953, 08137701720,

WHATSAPP/TELEGRAM US ON: 08137701720

INFLUENCE OF DEFORESTATION ON LIVELIHOOD AND INCOME OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ODIGHI, EDO STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Forests are among the most important natural resources supporting rural livelihoods in developing countries. They provide fuelwood, timber, non-timber forest products, medicinal plants, bush meat, and serve as a source of employment and income for rural households (FAO, 2018). In Nigeria, forests contribute significantly to household survival strategies such as farming, hunting, gathering and petty trading of forest products (Aiyeloja & Ajewole, 2017). However, rapid deforestation has reduced the availability of these resources and threatens the economic well-being of rural dwellers.

Deforestation refers to the permanent removal of forest cover, mainly due to agricultural expansion, logging, fuelwood collection, infrastructure development and urban growth (Geist & Lambin, 2002). Nigeria has one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa, losing large areas of tropical forest annually (FAO, 2020). Rural communities such as Odighi in Edo State are highly dependent on forest resources and therefore face direct economic consequences when forests are degraded or cleared.

Forests play a crucial role in the income structure of rural households through sale of timber, honey, herbs, firewood, charcoal production and support for agro-forestry systems (Arnold et al., 2011). When forests disappear, households lose access to these income streams and may become more vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity and unemployment (World Bank, 2016). Women and youth who rely on gathering and processing non-timber forest products are often the most affected (Shackleton et al., 2007).

In Odighi community, farming is the major occupation, and forests provide fertile soils, shade trees, water regulation and biodiversity that support agricultural productivity. Deforestation therefore not only removes saleable forest products, but also reduces farm yields through soil erosion, loss of nutrients and disruption of micro-climatic conditions (Nwaobiala, 2015). This may lead to lower household income and decline in living standards.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the economic and ecological importance of forests, many rural communities continue to experience massive deforestation due to logging activities, agricultural expansion, charcoal production and infrastructural development (FAO, 2020). In Odighi, increasing pressure on land has resulted in progressive loss of forest cover. As forest resources diminish, households that depend on them for income generation face reduced livelihood opportunities.

The consequences of deforestation on rural household income are visible in declining agricultural productivity, reduction in access to non-timber forest products, increasing cost of fuelwood, and loss of employment for those engaged in logging and forest-based processing industries (Adeniyi, 2019). However, empirical studies focusing specifically on Odighi community are limited. There is inadequate documented evidence on how loss of forest resources affects incomes, livelihood strategies and economic resilience of rural households in the area.

This study therefore seeks to fill this gap by examining the consequences of deforestation on rural household income in Odighi, Edo State.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine the consequences of deforestation on rural household income in Odighi, Edo State.

The specific objectives are to:

identify the major causes of deforestation in Odighi community;

assess the extent of households’ dependence on forest resources for income;

examine the effects of deforestation on rural household income;

analyse the coping strategies adopted by households in response to declining forest resources;

suggest policy measures for sustainable forest management in Odighi.

1.4 Research Questions

This study will be guided by the following questions:

What are the major causes of deforestation in Odighi community?

How dependent are rural households on forest resources for income?

What are the effects of deforestation on rural household income in Odighi?

What coping strategies do households adopt in response to declining forest resources?

What policy measures can promote sustainable forest management in Odighi?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The study will test the following hypotheses:

H₀₁: Deforestation has no significant effect on rural household income in Odighi.

H₀₂: There is no significant relationship between dependence on forest resources and household income level.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be useful to several groups. It will provide policy makers and environmental agencies with empirical evidence to design effective forest management strategies. It will help rural development planners understand how loss of forest resources affects income and livelihood security. The study will also benefit local community leaders and NGOs by highlighting the need for community-based forest conservation initiatives. Finally, it will serve as a reference material for researchers and students interested in environmental economics and rural development.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on Odighi community in Edo State. It examines rural households within the community and analyses how deforestation influences their income sources, livelihood strategies, and economic well-being. The study is limited to forest-related income such as timber, fuelwood, non-timber forest products and forest-supported agriculture.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Possible limitations include difficulty in obtaining accurate income data due to respondents’ reluctance to disclose financial information. Inadequate records on deforestation levels may also pose challenges. Time and financial constraints may limit the size of the sample population. However, efforts will be made to ensure reliable data collection.

1.9 Definition of Key Terms

Deforestation: permanent removal or reduction of forest cover resulting in conversion to non-forest land use.

Rural household income: total income earned by households through farming, forest products, wage labour and other rural economic activities.

Forest resources: timber and non-timber products obtained from forests such as wood, fruits, herbs and wildlife.

Livelihood: means through which households secure food, income and basic necessities.

HOW TO RECEIVE PROJECT MATERIAL (S)

After paying the appropriate amount (#5,000) into our bank Account below, send the following information to any of the numbers below

08068231953, 08137701720,

(1) Your project topics

(2) Email Address

(3) Payment Name

OR you drop them on our WhatsApp/Telegram, 08137701720