ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF DEFORESTATION ON BIODIVERSITY IN NIGERIAN FORESTS (A CASE STUDY OF ITU LGA)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to The Study

Biodiversity is critical to the function and services of ecosystems on which humans depend and is directly related to the economic, social and environmental components of sustainability (Heywood 2010). Unfortunately, human modification of ecosystems worldwide has led to changes in biodiversity in marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as other parts of the biosphere, such that this diversity is increasingly threatened by human activities. This is largely due to measures such as habitat degradation, simplification, fragmentation or loss through deforestation, deforestation, unsustainable shifting agriculture, agricultural extensification, wetland drainage, industrialization, road construction, tourism developments; and overexploitation of plant and animal resources such as unsustainable fishing, overconsumption of firewood, overharvesting of medicinal plants (Heywood, 2006; De Vos et al., 2014).

Sala et al. (2000) noted that if this rapid environmental change continues unchecked, there would be a continuous shift in the Earth's ecological balance, leading to environmental stress and degradation. Furthermore, this is considered a crisis as it is recognized that biodiversity loss and the associated reduced capacity to provide ecosystem services have a direct impact on human existence (UN 2012).

To stop this looming crisis, the United Nations has made protecting nature a top priority with the United Nations SDG 15. This goal emphasizes the need to protect, restore and ensure the long-term use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests and combat the spread of deserts, limit land damage and halt the loss of plant and animal life.

In Nigeria, the rich and diverse forest ecosystems face significant threats from deforestation, a major issue that poses a serious risk to the country’s biodiversity. Deforestation, characterized by the indiscriminate cutting of trees without adequate replanting, contributes to a steep decline in biodiversity. Nigeria is home to many endemic species, many of which are becoming more endangered as their natural habitats continue to disappear. Nigeria is one of Africa's most biodiverse countries. Due to logging, urbanization, and agricultural growth, the rate of deforestation has increased recently. Significant changes in land use and environmental deterioration have been caused by these actions (Adefolu et al., 2020). To develop successful conservation programs and regulations, it is vital to understand the biological consequences of deforestation for biodiversity. Deforestation has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate loss of trees. It disrupts the complex and interdependent interactions between species and their natural habitats.

Numerous forest-dwelling species rely on particular tree species for both food and shelter. Deforestation can cause these trees to disappear, which can lead to population decreases and, in certain situations, extinctions (Bongers et al., 2019). Furthermore, habitat fragmentation diminishes genetic variety and disturbs the natural environment, making species' adaptation to changing conditions more challenging (IUCN, 2021).

As a result, analyzing these effects is crucial for understanding the larger effects of deforestation on ecosystem resilience and ecological integrity. Deforestation destroys an estimated 4 million hectares of forests in Nigeria each year, frighteningly high pace (FAO, 2020).

This rapid deforestation is driven by a variety of factors, including agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and infrastructure development (Adetola et al., 2021) and since many communities in Nigeria rely on forest resources for their livelihoods, the biodiversity crisis there poses serious socioeconomic issues in addition to environmental ones. To effectively address these issues, ecological assessments and socioeconomic considerations must be combined in an integrated approach. Moreso, Nigerian researchers assess the ecological impacts of deforestation on biodiversity using a variety of methods, including ecological modeling, biodiversity inventory, and remote sensing (Olawoyin et al., 2022).

These tools enable a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics by quantifying species loss, habitat fragmentation and changes in ecosystem services. This assessment, by combining data from multiple studies (UNEP, 2021; Eniang et al., 2023), seeks to demonstrate the urgent need for conservation programs and sustainable forest management techniques to conserve Nigeria's invaluable biodiversity. By using this lens, we can begin to understand the complex connection between biodiversity loss and deforestation, opening the door to more informed and efficient environmental conservation in Nigeria.Top of Form

1.2 Statement of The Problem

Deforestation in Nigeria has reached critical levels, driven by factors such as agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and urban development. As a result, the country is experiencing alarming rates of habitat loss, which pose significant threats to its rich biodiversity. Nigeria is home to numerous endemic species, yet habitat destruction has led to a decline in wildlife populations and an increase in extinction risks (Bongers et al., 2019). This situation is exacerbated by the fragmentation of remaining forest patches, which not only isolates species but also disrupts ecological processes essential for maintaining biodiversity (Adetola et al., 2021). Without a comprehensive assessment of these ecological impacts, effective conservation strategies cannot be developed, potentially leading to irreversible damage to the country’s natural heritage.

The lack of detailed studies on the ecological consequences of deforestation further complicates the issue, hindering the formulation of policies aimed at biodiversity conservation. Current assessments often overlook the intricate relationships between species and their habitats, leading to an incomplete understanding of how deforestation affects ecosystem services and species interactions (IUCN, 2021). Additionally, socio-economic factors that drive deforestation, such as poverty and land tenure issues, are often inadequately addressed in ecological assessments, which limits the effectiveness of conservation initiatives. This gap underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach that integrates ecological research with socio-economic considerations to fully understand and mitigate the impacts of deforestation on Nigeria's biodiversity.Top of Form

1.3 Objectives of The Study

The main objective of the study is to examine Assessment of the Ecological Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity in Nigerian Forests. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. To quantify the rate of deforestation in key Nigerian forest ecosystems.
2. To evaluate the impact of deforestation on species diversity and abundance in Nigerian forests.
3. To investigate the ecological consequences of deforestation on ecosystem functioning and services in Nigerian forests.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. What is the current rate of deforestation in different forest types across Nigeria, and how has this rate changed over time?
2. How does deforestation affect the diversity and abundance of plant and animal species in Nigerian forests, and what are the underlying mechanisms?
3. What are the ecological consequences of deforestation on ecosystem functioning and services, such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and water regulation, in Nigerian forests?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no significant impact of deforestation on biodiversity in Nigerian forests; species richness and abundance remain unchanged despite variations in forest cover.

1.6 Significance of The Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Environmental Studies sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analyzed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of The Study

The study is delimited to Itu LGA. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of The Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of The Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.

1.10 Definition of Terms

1. Deforestation

The permanent removal of trees and vegetation from forested areas, often leading to land conversion for agriculture, urban development, or other uses, significantly impacting ecosystem health and biodiversity.

2.  Biodiversity

 The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation within those species, and the complexity of ecological interactions, crucial for maintaining ecosystem resilience and function.

3.  Ecosystem Services

 The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning services (like food and raw materials), regulating services (such as climate regulation and flood control), cultural services (recreational and spiritual benefits), and supporting services (nutrient cycling and habitat provision).

4.  Habitat Fragmentation

The process by which large, contiguous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities like deforestation, leading to decreased biodiversity and increased vulnerability of species to extinction.

5.  Carbon Sequestration

 The process by which trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in biomass and soils, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change and supporting ecological balance.

6.  Endemic Species

 Species that are native to and found exclusively in a specific geographic area, such as Nigeria, and are often particularly vulnerable to the impacts of habitat loss and deforestation.

7.  Ecological Resilience

 The ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances (such as deforestation) and to recover from environmental stressors, maintaining its structure, function, and biodiversity over time.