Human Activities and Forest Decline in Ukwa-East Area of Abia State-Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the impacts of man’s activities on forest loss in Ukwa East Area of Abia State, using survey research design. It relied heavily on primary data generated through land sat imageries for LULC changes and rate of deforestation; and 447 valid copies of semi-structured questionnaire retrieved from 447 randomly selected household heads from 10 communities. Three research questions and three specific objectives guided the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The main findings are: settlement expansion is the major factor responsible for change in LULC of the area; there is significant difference in rate of outward growth (built- up area) of the area from 1986 – 2021; anthropogenic activities (timber harvesting and farming) are the main agents of deforestation in the area, leading to great lost of forested lands and soil quality. Ten communities (Akwete, Obunku, Ohambele, Umuogor, Abaki, Azumini, Akirika, Obohia, Mkporobe and Ohanku) were identified as the most deforestation endemic areas which are also prone to intensive anthropogenic activities. The rainforests landcover reduced from 177.19km2(1986) to 172.97km2 (1996), 129,95km2 (2010), 122.78km2(2020); while riparian/swamp forests decreased from 28.57km2(1986) to 22.16km2(1996), 21.55km2(2010), and 18km2(2020). Meanwhile, the built-up area increased from 13.98km2(1986) to 20.32km2(1996), 39.68km2(2010) and 68.61km2(2020).The paper concluded by recommending for immediate ban on commercial timber harvesting and furl wood collection, discouraging wrong farming methods and enlightenment campaigns on the effects of deforestation.

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