Impact of population growth on timber industries and forest resources in Kurmi Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

As population density increases, the demand for forest product increases which results to deforestation and forest resources depletion. This in turn affects the survival of timber industries. This research work was carried out to assess the impact of population growth on forest resources depletion in Kurmi forests in Taraba State, Nigeria. The investigation was based on the trends of population growth in the area, causes of population growth, and impacts of population growth on forest resources, factors responsible for forest resources depletion, effects of forest resources loss and the economic benefits from the Kurmi Forest Reserves. Primary data were collected by the used of structured questionnaire, and the secondary data were collected through documented literature and cartographic maps. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that there was steady population growth (55.6% in 24 years) around the forest reserves which was attributed to forest resource depletion by 86% of the respondents and 100% of the respondents affirmed that there was decline of forest resources in the study area. Other factors responsible for forest resources depletion was found to include poverty (61%), lack of indigenous people participation in the management of the forests (53%), illiteracy (80%) and combination of these factors (80%). Thus, it is recommended that government should enact supportive forest conservative and regenerative policies involving the indigenous people and support it with, along with other stakeholders, funding. Proper reorientation and education should be carried out in the area on forest restoration and conservation.