Causes and Effects of Deforestation on the Socio-Economic Livelihood of Michika People, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The transformation of forest lands by human activities represents one of the greatest forces of global environmental change and biodiversity loss. The impact of people on the forest has been and continues to increase with its devastating effects. This study evaluated the effect of deforestation on the socioeconomic livelihood of Michika people of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The use of interview schedule and questionnaires were adopted. A total of one hundred and fourteen (116) respondents were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques within the eight Districts of Michika and the forestry sector as well. Data collected include the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, reasons for harvesting of forest trees, effects of deforestation and observed environmental effect. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Index Number. The result show that human activities were the main causes of deforestation, which included agricultural expansion with (26%), logging account for 17%, urbanization (15%) and fuelwood harvesting (12%). Majority (88%) of the respondents are aware of what causes deforestation. The effect of deforestation on livelihoods indicated that there is imbalance in climate due to deforestation, loss of water bodies, increase in ambient temperature and bare grounds, increase in wind and soil erosion and inadequate energy and building materials. The results also indicated that majority of the respondents depend on the forest for their livelihood. 18% of the respondents earn N 4750- N 8500 monthly from the forest. This has increased forest product exploitation hence the increased deforestation of some indigenous tree species such as Termarindus indica, Daniella olivarrii, Parkia biglobosa, e.t.c. their population are now threatened. These tree species may go extinct if conservation and reforestation strategies are not adopted. Majority of the respondents are farmers indicating high level of dependency on forest land, therefore, agroforestry system should be adopted; this will not only protect the tree environment but also build a favorable ecosystem for forest and wildlife population increase. This will enhance agricultural output and income of the farmers and finally reduce pressure on natural forest.