Would you be glad if someone borrowed your stuff without returning it? Or if someone took your car without returning it? I am guessing your answer is no. Well, that is simply what Deforestation is about.
Deforestation simply means the removal of forests or trees for other land use with no plan of restocking such forests and woodlands.
Nigeria currently has the highest rate of deforestation in the world, and it’s most likely going to remain like this, as the rate is rapidly increasing. What made Nigeria become the champion of deforestation? Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) states that Nigeria lost about 90% of its primary forest in the last century and that as of 2005 we had the highest rate of deforestation in the world.
Causes of Deforestation in Nigeria
- Low Level of Education in Rural Areas
There is little or no education on the negative effects that detrimental practices in rural areas have on the environment. This ignorance is a factor in the high rate of deforestation.
- Corruption Among Traditional Rulers
Traditional rulers have a huge influence on the environment of various localities. However, they have used this influence poorly. They have been known to receive tokens from logging companies for permission to log trees without proper documentation from the government. And sadly, the tokens received are never used for the benefit of the community.
- Increase in Population
There is high pressure on ecosystems, biodiversity and the environment as a whole – due to the increase in population – which leads to urbanization and the need to construct more infrastructure to provide for the needs of the growing population.
- The Use of Old Techniques
The use of old techniques like shifting cultivation involving the use of fire for land preparation by farmers has caused more damage to ecosystems, biodiversity and the environment which ultimately leads to extinction cascades.
(Source: AllAfrica.com)
- Poverty and High Reliance on Wood
Poverty, especially in rural areas, leads to indigenes depending on the forests for survival. There is high level of reliance on wood for fuel
- Incompetent Judiciary System
Lack of a competent judiciary system to implement, enforce laws and indict offenders.
- Large Wood Market
The large wood market in Nigeria involving the production of beds, furniture etc. puts pressure on the forests in order to meet the increasing demand.
(Source: Guardian Nigeria)
Effects of Deforestation on Humans in Nigeria
- Increase in Carbon Dioxide
Deforestation, especially through bush burning, increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Which may have a negative effect human health.
- Reduction in Plants Used for Medicinal Purposes
As a result of the removal of forests, medicinal plants are lost.
- Climate Change
Forests around the world act as the planet’s store of carbon dioxide. In fact, they store double of the carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere. So, when the forests are depleted through logging or burnt, the carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. This, in turn, leads to the planet heating up and a change in weather patterns. Deforestation can also lead to an increase in drought and soil erosion. This, of course, has an effect on crop yields due to the destruction of the soil and no rain. All of which boils down to hunger in the land. Who knew trees were so important.
- Sickness and Death
A change in weather conditions and atmospheric moisture leads to sickness and death in humans as a result of the increase in the population of pests like malaria-carrying mosquitos.
Recommendations/Solution
The effects of deforestation mentioned above are just a few of its negative impacts on the planet. It is therefore expedient to find/suggest solutions to rectify the situation. Some studies in the past have suggested possible solutions and they are as follows:
- Adoption of Sustainable Forest Management
Forest managers, stakeholders and policymakers need to integrate or adopt sustainable forest management into the forestry sector of Nigeria. This would help prevent the detrimental effects of deforestation and ultimately erase poverty, increase food security and the availability of clean water.
- Alternative Fuels for Cooking
As a result of the heavy dependence on fuel woods, alternative fuels like kerosene for cooking should be provided by the Federal Government, especially in rural areas. The provided alternative fuels should be made affordable due to the level of poverty in these areas.
- Education/Awareness Creation
The Federal Government has to carry out a major educational campaign that will reach local areas and most villages (with interpretation in local dialects of the indigenes for immediate comprehension). This is important because most people in rural areas are uneducated and unaware of the damage of their activities.
- Creation of New Policies
Creation of new policies, laws, rules and regulations by the Federal Government should be done for the conservation of existing forests.
- Reduction in Paper Dependence
Reduce the dependence on paper by making use of technology where possible. As well as introducing and implementing recycling practices, which would help reduce the pressure on forests.
- Reduction of Poverty Rate
No matter what strategy is put in place, if the rate of poverty remains high. People especially those in rural areas would return to the activities that led to deforestation in order to survive.