Journal of
Horticulture and Forestry

  • Abbreviation: J. Hortic. For.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9782
  • DOI: 10.5897/JHF
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 316

Article in Press

Survey of anthropogenic activities in kwandonkaya panshanu forest reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Ogunkalu Oluwafemi Ayornde, Adedapo James Olufemi, Akande Micheal.Taiwo

  •  Received: 29 October 2018
  •  Accepted: 14 January 2019
The impact of Human activities on Kwandonkaya panshanu Forest reserve in Bauchi state was studied. Structured questionnaires, general survey and past records of field reports were used in collecting information on anthropogenic activities in the study area. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were randomly administered among the villagers within the five villages surrounding the forest estate at equal numbers, that is, twenty (20) questionnaires per each village while the remaining twenty (20) questionnaires were distributed among the forest officers. Descriptive statistical tools such as percentages and frequency distribution were used to achieve objective1, II and III (demographic characteristic of the respondents). Also chi-squares test of independence was used to establish the relationship between socio-economic characteristics and the various human activities identified by the respondents. Demographic characteristics of the respondents were examined and the male respondents dominated the population with (97.17%). Respondents whose ages were between 30-40years represent majority (30 %) of the studied population. Educationally, respondents’ with secondary education was the majority in this study (30 %), results also revealed that farming is the major (70.8%) anthropogenic activities in the forest reserve, followed by the Collection of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) (66.7%), Fuel wood collection (50%), illegal grazing (37.5%), other activities including Lumbering/Timber harvesting (33.3%), and Poaching (25%).The classified vulnerable floral species includes Afzelia africana, Khaya senegalansis, Deniellia olivera etc to feed their animals during the dry season. 75.00% of studied population is married. Chi-square (X2) result shows that the entire demographic characteristics variable tested (gender, marital status, education, occupation) shows significant relationship with the anthropogenic activities of the forest reserve P < 0.05 except age. However, major problem leading to anthropogenic activities in the studied reserve was poverty (66.8%) and population explosion (63.3%). It was recommended that the basic solution that could assist the management of these resources is that forest laws should be enacted regarding the management of the forest reserve and its resources. Also, emphases should be placed on the rational use of the resources, for the fact still remains that no timber can be properly manage in the absence of its ideal habitat.

Keywords: Forest Products, Anthropogenic, Activities, Forest Reserve and Forest Resources