The Impact of Deforestation on Livelihood Activities in Bali L.G.A of Taraba State, Nigeria

This paper seeks to examine the impact of deforestation on livelihood in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. It is geared towards finding out how people understand the nature of deforestation and its main causes and also to determine the impact of deforestation on livelihood activities. This has become imperative in the view that studies and policies on deforestation have often described it as bad because of the long-term environmental implication evident in biodiversity loss, climate change and erosion. Despite this fact, it is equally important to note that deforestation has contributed immensely to livelihoods as a source of income and employment for the local people. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents were randomly sampled and administered research questionnaires both in Bayan Dutse, Bali town and Mai Labari, Garba chede. Personal observations were used in data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as trend analysis, ratios, percentages, frequency counts and graphical depictions. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the deforestation variable and socio-economic activities. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that among human activities, logging and fuel consumption (P>0.010), expansion of farmland and (P>0.010), plantation (P>0.038) were significant implying that these activities had a positive effect on the socio-economic activities in the communities of Bali. The results further gave an insight into variables such as war (P>0.631), overgrazing (P>0.621) and bush burning (P>0.234) to less likely affect the socio-economic activities or livelihoods of the locals in the communities of Bali. It is observed that at one degree of freedom, the ρ-value is 0.122 and this is greater than the level of statistical significance of 0.05, hence the null hypothesis that “there is no significant difference in personal income generated from male and female involvement in deforestation activities in the communities which is to be rejected. An important key element is the need for the Department of Forestry to be proactive in discharging its key function of enhancing sustainable forest management in Bali communities. There should be a synergy between the government and local people in the fight against deforestation.