Effect of Deforestation on Livelihood and the Adaptation Strategies in Niger South Senatorial District, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Tropical rainforests are ecosystem of genetic diversity that offers an important medicinal plants source, it’s also provides high-yield foods, and a myriad of other important products. They are an important environment for migratory animals and maintain as much as fifty percent of the species on globe, as well as several diverse and unique indigenous cultures. They also act an important role in controlling world weather in addition to sustaining normal rainfall, while preventing against floods, deforestations, and erosion. The study’s aim is to analyse the effect of deforestation on livelihood and the adaptation strategies in Niger South Senatorial District, Niger state, Nigeria. Information about the various effects of deforestation and adaptation strategies was collected using a structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The result shows that wind storms, flooding, late rainfall; low output yields, and wide spreads of pest infestation were ranked as the major effects of deforestation. Different survival strategies are been used by the respondents comprises of fishing, animal rearing, poultry production, hiring labour and use of fertilizer to maximize production. It was acceded by the more than half of the discussants at FGD that artisan work and small- scale businesses are the major other sources of livelihood used by the individuals. In their various submissions, they all attest that wind storms and flooding are the most common problem of deforestation noticeable in the study area.