Impacts Of Deforestation On Socio-Economic Development And Environment In Nigeria

Abstract

Deforestation enables the earth soil to  run off into sources of water supply due to the  absence  of  tree  roots  to  absorb  water  thereby  causing  water  pollution.  Absence  of  tree roots  further  deprives  the  soil  of  important  nutrients  necessary  for  the  growth  of  new vegetation. Through deforestation, more carbon is released into the atmosphere, climatic changes take place and soil is exposed to rainfalls thus promoting erosions. These are not without serious health implications. The trade of wood products is an obvious source of substantial income for national and local governments as well as traditional rulers and individuals. This often comes in the form of export earnings, taxes, royalties and personal income for those engaged either directly or indirectly in the exploitation of these forest products. Qualitative secondary sources of data collection were used for this paper. Amongst other recommendations, it is recommended that Corrupt government officials in charge of forestry laws and policies should be prosecuted together with illegal loggers, environmental education should be accorded to the general public on the dire consequences of deforestation on people and the society at large, skills acquisition program should be organized for rural women dwellers and the uneducated youths in order to curtail the rate of deforestation.