Timber Dealers’ Perception of their Knowledge of the Forest Law in Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated timber dealers’ knowledge of the forest law and
regulations in Uyo Senatorial District. Five timber markets were selected
through two-stage sampling. Data were collected from 238 traders in the
selected markets using structured questionnaires and subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that over 90% of the respondents knew and understood the forest law and penalties for violation. Thus, forest
offences were not committed out of ignorance, but for undue profits.
Knowledge and understanding of the law were independent of respondents’
Local Government Areas (LGAs), but knowledge of penalties for forest
offences significantly varied with LGA (p = 0.05). Recommendations for
improved compliance with the law and its enforcement strategies include
employment of more forest policemen, provision of vehicles for patrol and
evacuation of illegal forest produce, adequate penalties on culprits, and
adequate political will and earnest tackling of corruption by government.

Key words: Timber dealers, Knowledge, Forest Law, Uyo Senatorial
District, Nigeria.