Determinants of Forest Resources Uses and Its Implications for Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

This study examines determinants of forest resource use and its implications for environmental sustainability in Nigeria; using Kwara state as a case study. Specifically, the study examines awareness of climate change vis-a-vis forest resources use and factors affecting forest resources sustainability. For the study, one hundred and twenty households were selected across eight communities in ADP Zone C in Kwara state. Tools used to analysed data were the descriptive statistics and multinomial logit analyses. Study findings revealed that over half of the rural households have had basic primary education. Household perception of climate change indicators were indigenous and at low levels. Those mostly affected by climate change were children. However minimal losses due to climate change were perceived by the households while climate change forest related mitigation activities was mainly that of planting indigenous trees. Also, despite the fact that there is a high forest fuel resources usage by rural households in the study area, their likelihood of using non-forest fuels were found to dependent on their income, price of alternatives. Based on these findings, it is recommended that enlightenment and sensitization of all stakeholders on the reality of climate change, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and the provision of affordable and environmental friendly source of fuels should be pursued.