ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF FOREST RESERVE DEPLETION IN ASKIRA/UBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Many rural communities in developing countries including Askira/Uba LGA are facing problems of Forest Reserve Depletion. The study assessed the trend of Forest Reserve Depletion in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno state. objectives are; to map out the spatial distribution pattern of the Forest Reserve between 1990-2019 in the study area; assess the changes within the Reserves in the study area; identify the effects of Forest Reserves depletion on people level hood the study area and examine the role of government and community in the management of forest reserves in the study area. Data were generated using GIS/Remote Sensing tools, structured interview schedules, Focus group Discussions (FGDs) and Key In formant Interview (KII).the findings revealed that: the seven forest reserves that there have indicated a decline of 9.66 percent decrease In forest between 1990 to 2005 with depletion of 2.19 percent in 2019; The total forest coverage has decline from 2005 to 2019 rapidly compared with 1990 Even though forest depletion have been existing in the study area before 1990; the main causes of forest reserves depletion were agriculture practices. Soil erosion and general environmental degradation were identified as the effects of forest reserve depletion. Community and government effort were identified in managing the forest reserves through fencing, enlightenment, afforestation and reforestation. It was recommended that: Proactive measure should be taken by all stakeholders in Askira/Uba Local government area of Borno State towards a better understanding of the changing pattern of  land-cover types to manage various environmental challenges that might be associated with such changes; Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques which would be efficient in monitoring of vegetation cover; The urban planning at state and  local government level should adequately plan for the rapid population growth in the study area to reduce over depending on forest resources. This would control such encroachment; the people should be sensitized through enlightenment campaigns on dangers of deforestation; Alternative sources of energy for cooking should also be emphasized to reduce over depending on forest resources; Government, and nongovernmental organization should provide adequate fund to motivate forest reserve management in the study area; so that forest resources should be adequately managed Afforestation Reforestation and of degraded areas should be encouraged  to speed up the process of rehabilitation and regeneration of the forest cover. Map out the spatial distribution pattern of the Forest Reserve between periods of 1990-2019 in the study area.