Research on Degradation and Sustainable Practices for Forest Resources in Plateau State, Nigeria

M. E. Ikehi

M. E. Ikehi Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

Keywords: Forest, sustainability, degradation, renewable resources, forest users, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: The study was carried out to determine the causes of degradation and sustainable practices for forest and its resources in Plateau state of Nigeria.

Study Design: Descriptive survey research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Kanke, Langtang, Quan Pan, Shendam and Wase Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, between July 2013 and April 2014.

Methodology: The study was guided by two research questions while the population was made up of local forest users. Stratified random sampling method was used to obtain a sample size of 500 local forest users. The instruments for data collection were a structured questionnaire and a structured interview guide. The reliability of the questionnaire instrument was established using Cronbach alpha technique and a co-efficient of 0.81 was obtained. Frequency and simple percentage were used to answer the research questions and to interpret the results.

Results: The study found 8 out of 12 causes of degradation and 13 out 14 adoptable sustainable practices for forest and its resources in the study area.

Conclusion: The implementation of the identified sustainable practices for forest and its resources in Plateau state is necessary to help save and improve on the remnant forest in the state.