Role of Extension Forest Officers in Forest Conservation in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed role of extension forest officers in forest conservation in Cross River State, Nigeria. All the forest officers under the employment of the Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) formed the population of the study. Systematic sampling technique was employed to select 78 respondents for the study out of a population of 314 forest officers. Data were collected through validated structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean scores. The major effective extension role of forest officers in forest conservation were creating awareness through environmental enlightenment campaign in forest communities ( x̄= 2.61) and dissemination of information in relation to public participation in forest conservation (x̄ = 2.61). The Major training needs of forest officers in forest conservation were sustainable forest management practices (x̄ = 3.39), forestry extension practices ( x̄= 3.32) and developing group participation. The most serious constraints to effective forestry extension service delivery were inadequate funding ( x̄= 2.97), and lack of vehicles for field staff logistics (x̄ = 2.80). ). Forestry extension service delivery in forest conservation was less effective, owing to a great  number of constraints militating against the service delivery. For extension role of forest officers in forest conservation to be more  effective in the state, there is need for extension unit to be created by the Cross River State Forestry Commission and specifically saddled with the responsibility of carrying out forestry extension functions along with the readiness of the state government to adequately  coordinate and fund forestry extension services.