A Systematic Review of Deforestation Challenges in Kebbi State, Nigeria, and their Implications for the Sustainable Development Goals

Zogirma; F.U.; Abdulrahman; A.; Mansur; M.A.; Ambursa.; A.S.; Wele; H.K.; Yusuf; Z.

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.11.no12.2025.pg134.138

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A Systematic Review of Deforestation Challenges in Kebbi State, Nigeria, and their Implications for the Sustainable Development Goals

Zogirma, F.U., Abdulrahman, A., Mansur, M.A., Ambursa., A.S., Wele, H.K. and, Yusuf, Z.

Abstract

Deforestation presents a critical environmental and socio-economic threat across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in semi-arid regions such as Kebbi State, Nigeria. This systematic review evaluates the drivers, extent, ecological impacts, and development implications of deforestation in Kebbi State, while emphasizing its obstruction to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals . Guided by PRISMA protocols, 112 documents were identified across scientific databases and governmental repositories, of which 47 met the inclusion criteria. The review shows that deforestation in Kebbi State is primarily driven by agricultural expansion, fuelwood harvesting, charcoal production, overgrazing, infrastructural development, climate variability, and weak environmental governance. Consequences include biodiversity loss, soil degradation, desertification, climate change acceleration, watershed disturbances, livelihood vulnerability, and increased rural poverty. These impacts negatively affect the realization of SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 13, and 15. The review also highlights institutional weaknesses, limited adoption of alternative energy sources, low public environmental awareness, and poor enforcement of forestry regulations as key systemic contributors. The paper concludes with evidence-based recommendations, including community-based forest management, climate-smart agriculture, renewable-energy adoption, policy reforms, and strengthened monitoring frameworks. This review provides an integrated understanding of deforestation and development interlinkages, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, development agencies, and environmental managers in Northern Nigeria.

Keywords

DeforestationKebbi StateSustainable Development GoalsLand DegradationEnvironmental SustainabilityNigeria.

References

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A Systematic Review of Deforestation Challenges in Kebbi State, Nigeria, and their Implications for the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Keywords

References

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