Socio-Economic Predictors of Forest Degradation in Ikom Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. 0 0
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/jete.vol9no1.62Keywords:
Forest degradation, household income, occupational activity, formal education, Ikom Education ZoneAbstract
This study examined the socioeconomic predictors of forest degradation in the Ikom Education Zone of Cross River State. Specifically, the study investigated the extent to which household income level, primary occupational activity, and level of formal education predict forest degradation in the study area. The study was guided by research questions and hypotheses, and a correlational survey research design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of 184,570 adult residents in forest-dependent communities across Ikom, Boki, and Etung Local Government Areas. A sample of 400 respondents was selected using the Taro Yamane sampling technique and a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled “Socioeconomic Predictors of Forest Degradation Questionnaire (SPFDQ)” and analyzed using simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that household income level significantly predicts forest degradation in the study area, with low-income households more likely to depend on forest resources, thereby increasing degradation. It was also found that primary occupational activity significantly predicts forest degradation, as forest-dependent occupations such as farming, logging, and fuelwood collection contribute to forest ecosystem decline. Furthermore, level of formal education was found to significantly predict forest degradation, with higher educational attainment associated with reduced forest exploitation and improved environmental awareness. The study concluded that socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in forest degradation in the Ikom Education Zone. It was recommended that policies aimed at poverty reduction, livelihood diversification, environmental education, and sustainable land-use practices should be strengthened to reduce pressure on forest resources and promote sustainable forest management.
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