Assessment of the Effect of Anthropogenic Activities on Forest Resources in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

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@article{1707903,
      author = {Priscilla Mnena Agber, Terwase Shabu, Daniel Peverga Dam, Monday Akpegi Onah, Joshua Oroduen Ahile},
      title = {Assessment of the Effect of Anthropogenic Activities on Forest Resources in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {10},
      pages = {633-644},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1707903.pdf},
      abstract = {This study assessed the effect of anthropogenic activities on forest resources in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, from 2004 to 2024. The study identified the major forest resources, evaluated changes in resources and forest cover, and examined the socio-economic drivers of deforestation. The study population consists of residents and forests of Kwande LGA, estimated at 359,000 people in 2024. A sample size of approximately 400 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Data collection involved questionnaire surveys, field observations, and remote sensing. Data analysis used quantitative methods, descriptive statistics, and GIS and remote sensing for forest cover change analysis over 30 years. The findings reveal a significant reliance on forest resources, with 55.6% of respondents using them daily, particularly non-timber products (30.5%) and fuelwood (29.9%). Over the 30 years, the forest cover in Kwande LGA declined by 58.61%, from 937.78 km? in 2004 to 388.05 km? in 2024, while farmland expanded by 531.78 km?. Deforestation was predominantly driven by agricultural activities (60.2%), logging (10.2%), and fuelwood collection (75.4%). Wildlife populations showed the most significant decline (49.7%), with 75.4% of respondents observing reduced species diversity. Ecological consequences included habitat loss (55.6%) and decreased water quality (24.6%). The study concludes that agricultural expansion and logging are major contributors to forest resource depletion, intensifying biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation. The study recommends that sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation programmes, and enhanced environmental education are essential for addressing the pressures on forest resources.},
      keywords = {Anthropogenic Activities; Forest Resources; Deforestation: Change},
      month = {April},
  }