Effects of Anthropogenic Activities on Okoklo Forest Reserve in Benue State, Nigeria

Developing countries including Nigeria are saddled with problems emanating from environmental deterioration which has great impact on the forests. This study investigated the anthropogenic activities in Okoklo Forest Reserve Benue State to determine their implication on the sustainable management of forests. Vegetation survey method and questionnaire were employed to determine the effects of human activities on the reserve. A stratified random sampling design was used in the study for Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea. Three (3) plots of 20 m x 20 m were randomly laid in each compartment of the plantation. The plots were located at least 50 m apart. A total of six (6) sample plots of 20 m x 20 m totalling 400 m2 were laid. In each of the 20x 20 study plots, trees > 20 cm girth at breast height (gbh) were identified, counted and their girth measured. The girth of trees were grouped into six classes and the frequency of each were indicated. The study revealed that urbanization, fuel wood collection, bush burning, logging and land clearing ranked the major anthropogenic activities affecting sustainable forest management. It was observed that the class 41-50 had recorded the highest number of trees for all the species while no tree was recorded in the 20-30 class. The study therefore concluded that there was degradation of forest which could lead to complete loss of forests and recommended advocacy on the part of Government about the environmental damage caused by these anthropogenic activities and the strict enforcement of forest laws.