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Our Forests, Our Environment, Our Sustainable Livelihoods

Article · January 2015

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Paulinus Chukwumaucheya Aju

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European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015
ISSN (online): 2183-1904
ISSN (print): 2183-3818
www.euroessays.org

Our Forests, Our Environment, Our Sustainable

Livelihoods
Paulinus C. Aju1, John J. I Iwuchukwu1 and Colman C. Ibe2
1
Department of Forestry and Environmental Management Technology,

School of Environmental Design and Management Technology

2
Department of Science Laboratory Technology,

School of Science

Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo,

P.M.B, 1472, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Author for Correspondence: Aju P. C

Abstract: Forests are the nature’s most bountiful and versatile renewable resource which is capable of providing simultaneously,
a variety of benefits including environmental, economic, social, and cultural benefits and services. Among these benefits include
building and protection of soil, filtering of water and securing the maximum absorption of rainfall, preserving watershed and
regulating stream flow thus helping to prevent flooding and siltation of rivers and streams as well as carry out photosynthesis, the
basis of all food chains and the main source of life-giving oxygen. Wood, one of the major products from the forest plays a part in
more activities of the modern economy than does any other commodity. It is virtually the only renewable resource that is
economically suitable for structural and architectural purposes. Wood in form of fuel forms the major source of energy in the
developing countries. Forests also make diversified and valuable contributions to food security that ranges from the direct
production of food items to the provision of jobs, income generation, and support to the sustainability of farming systems. Their
role in human health is also very significant with plant-based medicines providing primary health care to some 75% of the world’s
population. Unfortunately, because we are surrounded by the synthetic materials of the modern age, we tend to forget easily our
dependence on forests. This is the reason why this crucial life-support system is today under serious threat occasioned by human-
induced factors and this is threatening the basis of our existence. Its conservation should therefore be a matter of priority for all.

Keywords: Forests, Fuelwood, Environment, Carbon sequestration, Greenhouse effect, Evapotranspiration

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Introduction development that must be mowed down, to some others, it is

the abode of the dead, evil spirits. Others see its presence as
The forest conjures different meanings to different people. indicative of underdevelopment and backwardness. Yet to
Whereas to some people, the forest is seen as an impediment to some, the sight of a forest invokes fear, awe and mystery. With
Corresponding Author: Aju P. C, E-mail: [email protected],GSM: 2348037436532
 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

the advent of “Boko Haram insurgency”, using Sambisa Forest is crucial for the sustainability of these other key resources of
Reserve in Borno State as their operational base and the planet Earth.
kidnappers that often hide their victims in the forests, some This natural resource by creation exists to serve man.
have of late come to view the forest as a refuge for insurgents History reveals a consistent relationship between people and
and criminal elements. Even many Agricultural experts, the forests. The history of humans is a story of forests and their
closest allies of Foresters know next to nothing about the use [2]. They and their products play critical roles in human
positive relationship that exists between forestry and environment, situation, needs and even lifeline. In a treeless
agriculture particularly its indispensable role in ensuring area, food is not only unavailable, its’ consumption may not
sustainable agricultural production. To such people, a forest be feasible on the unlikely occasion of its availability
land is an area that must give way for agricultural expansion. because of lack of domestic energy. It is equally evident that
This lack of awareness and proper understanding of the throughout ages, the presence or absence of forests is an
benefits derived from the forest and of its’ relevance to indicator of civilization; where there are no trees, such as the
everyday concern is the main reason why forest remains the polar region, deserts and high mountain tops, human
most neglected, the most undervalued, the most underrated endurance and permanent habitation are virtually non-
and one of the most overexploited natural resource. It is also existent. By the same token, dense tropical forests exert
the major reason why policy makers, development profound debilitating effects on human development and
practitioners and the general public do not see the urgent growth. Thus, too much forests or none are deterrent to
need for its sustainable management and conservation. modernity [3].
Ultimately, forests are being destroyed because people do The world’s forests provide an array of goods and services
not know that it is in their own interest not to destroy them. that sustain millions of plant and animal species as well as
If the current trend of forest destruction with its negative provide energy, industrial wood products and other non-wood
environmental and socio-economic consequences is to be products. Their products are essential to housing, to the
reversed, then the public need to understand and appreciate education of children, and even to the flow of information in
the role and place of forests and trees in environmental today’s electronic age, which shows no signs of producing a
sustainability and human wellbeing. This forms the main paperless society [4]. Forests are also a priceless ecological
focus of this paper. resource that regulates climate, protects land and water
2. The Environmental and Socio-Economic Roles resources, controls floods, wards off wind and water erosion,
stores and cycle nutrients, and provides habitats for wildlife.
of Forest
They also carry out photosynthesis, the basis of all food chains
Forest or a community of green plants is the nature’s most and the main source of life-giving oxygen. Finally, they
bountiful, ubiquitous and versatile renewable resource which is constitute a rich stock of valuable genetic resources, a common
capable of providing simultaneously, a variety of benefits heritage of mankind.
including environmental, economic, social, and cultural These roles shall be further elaborated upon beginning with its
benefits, as well as services. Not only is the forest one of the environmental functions.
principal components of the earth’s environment, but also one
of our basic life-support systems (or ecosystems) along with
mountains, lakes, rivers and soils. These terrestrial ecosystems 3. Environmental Functions of Forests
are not only vital to all life on earth, but are closely interwoven
Carbon sequestration and climatic amelioration functions
with one another [1]. More importantly, the survival of forests
of forests:

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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

Forests play important role in climatic amelioration. Forests atmosphere holds in the form of carbon dioxide. Roughly 40
absorb heat and help cool the earth. They encourage local percent of this carbon—330 billion tonnes—is contained in
rainfall, releasing moisture into the atmosphere and forcing trees, plants and other forest vegetation, with the remainder
water-saturated air currents to rise and produce rain. Forests contained in forest soils and roots [8]. A 1996 report
help to stabilize climate at both regional and global levels. The commissioned by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
tropical rain forest, in particular has such a high Change concluded that the world’s forests could store up to 87
evapotranspiration that about 75% of the rain that falls on it is billion tons of carbon between 1995 and 2050, an amount
recycled through the atmosphere within a few days [5; 6]. representing more than 12 percent of cumulative fossil fuel
Forests affect climate globally by reflecting less heat back into emissions over the same period. This additional carbon storage
the atmosphere than other types of land use that have more would however need to come from a reversal of tropical
bare soil and less green cover. They also make an enormous deforestation.
contribution to the earth’s atmosphere and climate by
absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and helping regulate Erosion control

temperature. Heat from the earth is trapped in the atmosphere

Human survival is dependent on less than a meter depth of
due to high levels of CO2 and other heat-trapping gases known
mixed organic and inorganic debris which we call the soil. As
as greenhouse gases (GHGs) that prevent it from releasing the
the primary source of fiber and a major interface with the
heat into space. This creates a phenomenon known as the
environment, soil is the reservoir on which most life on earth
“greenhouse effect.” Carbon dioxide remains the most
depends. Soil occupies a unique position in the ecosystem
important GHG, contributing more than 50% of the greenhouse
being at the interface or zone of interaction between the major
effect.
spheres that constitute the foundation of the universe, that is,
Forest has close relation with the GHG emissions. Among
the atmosphere, the lithosphere and the hydrosphere. It is the
the CO2 exchange between the air and land plants, 90% are
medium for plant growth and for many of the processes that
achieved by the forest vegetation. On the one hand, forests
constitute man’s life support system: including energy flows
absorb CO2 from the air during photosynthesis and carbon is
and cycling of matter. The physical, chemical and biological
fixed permanently. On the other hand, damage to forest will
characteristics of the soil determine such essential qualities of
result in releasing of the sequestered carbon into the
land as for example, its ability to supply water and
atmosphere and increasing the GHG emission. Thus, forests
nourishment to plants and animals, and to provide mechanical
play very important role in the global carbon cycle because
support and construction materials for all living things
they store large quantities of carbon in vegetation and soil,
including man. The soil also is the repository of much of our
exchange carbon with the atmosphere through photosynthesis
waste products both from the home and the work place. Its
and respiration, are sources of atmospheric carbon when they
ability to break down or purify these waste products and to re-
are disturbed by human or natural causes (e.g. wildfires,
synthesize new products from them is one of the most
logging with poor harvesting procedures, clearing and burning
important life-sustaining functions of the soil in the earth’s
for conversion to non-forest uses) and become atmospheric
environment system [9]. As the bulk of all food production
carbon sinks (i.e. with a net absorption of CO 2 from the
depends on it, the soil is therefore a crucial life-support system.
atmosphere) during regrowth after disturbance [7]. Therefore,
Even under natural condition of vegetation cover, nature takes
trees act as carbon sinks, alleviating the greenhouse effect and
from 100 to 400 years or more to generate 10 millimeters of
hence climate change.
top soil; 3,000 and 12,000 years to build up enough soil to
Approximately 830 billion metric tonnes of carbon is stored
form productive land. So, once the soil has gone, for all
in the world’s forests, about the same amount of carbon as the
practical purposes it has gone for good [10]-[11]. And this
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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

work can be destroyed by wind and water erosion in a matter move soil particles. The reduction in wind speed leads to lower
of hours. Soil erosion is however a natural and a slow process; evaporation from both open water and soil surfaces, making
problems arise because it can be greatly accelerated with more water available for plant growth. Research in China for
disastrous consequences on agricultural lands due to poorly instance has confirmed that shelterbelt eight to nine years old
managed human activities. Erosion whether by wind or water can reduce wind velocity and evaporation by about 30 and
leads to the loss of top soil where soil nutrients are 18%, respectively, and increase soil moisture and atmospheric
concentrated thus leading to the disruption of agricultural humidity by around 20 and 9%, respectively [14]. Besides the
production and degradation of the soil. The loss of top soil is prime objective of stabilizing the soil, shelterbelts have
accompanied by increased troublesome sedimentation in rivers resulted in increases in grain production ranging from 30 to
and reservoirs. This contributes to flooding and damage to 200% in Argentina, China, India, the Niger, Papua New
irrigation systems and hydroelectric stations. Water erosion in Guinea and Tunisia [15].
particular causes landslides and by silting up rivers, increases
flooding and degrades drinking water. Typical of flooding Forests and Water Quality and Quantity:
events caused by water erosion was the 2012 flood witnessed Forests are the best cover for safeguarding water quality
in Nigeria. The flooding incidence which affected over seven from sedimentations and chemicals. Forests protect water
million Nigerians resulted to the loss of over 363 lives, bodies by reducing surface erosion and sedimentation, filtering
displacement of over 2.3 million persons and the destruction of water pollutants, regulating water yield and flow, moderating
well over 600,000 houses while millions of naira worth of flood, enhancing precipitation and mitigating salinity. Forest
property including agricultural crops were destroyed [12]. vegetation strongly influences the flows of stream on
Wind and water erosion has a major impact when the soil is watershed by intercepting rainfall so that it reaches the forest
left exposed: when the protective cover of vegetation is lost. floor more gently and does not cause compaction. The
Hence, this situation can be halted by the provision of trees and presence of litter and humus further enhances the infiltration
other vegetation cover. Trees conserve the soil by protecting it into the soil, which is a key hydrological property affecting
from rain and wind, reducing soil erosion to a minimum. Trees surface run-off. Deep and large root nets both living and
reduce topsoil erosion by catching precipitation with their leaf decaying act as underground storages which maintain the yield
canopies. This lessens the force of storms and slows down and quality of water. In dry periods, rainfall that soaked into
water runoff which in turn ensures that our groundwater the soil and entered the groundwater table is released to
supplies are continually being replenished. This underground streams to maintain a steady flow. The reduction of surface
water is slowly released through soil kept porous through the water run-off also means fewer and less violent floods.
trees’ roots action, to feed streams, at a steady rate over a long Research has indicated that 100 mature trees intercept
period, with pure silt-free rain-water. By contrast, storms approximately 100,000 gallons of rainfall per year and for
striking bare slopes results in rapid runoff, causing soil erosion every 5 percent of tree cover added to a community, storm
and carrying off silt in sudden flows, leading to choked water runoff is reduced by approximately 2 percent. Along
riverbeds and silted up reservoirs downstream [13]. with breaking the fall of rainwater, tree roots remove nutrients
As well, high winds are slowed down by the dense foliage of that are harmful to water ecology and quality. Forests also play
many trees, creating sheltered conditions. As the speed of dust- a significant role in evapotranspiration. Between 75 and 95
laden winds drops, the dust is deposited on the leaves or falls percent of rainfall in the Congo River basin is from local
to the ground, it is thus prevented from being blown any evapotranspiration within the forest itself. When the trees
further [1]. Planting trees as windbreaks and shelterbelts can disappear, so does much of this rainfall, putting at high risk
reduce the velocity of the wind to a speed that is insufficient to

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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

plant and animal species that evolved in a rainforest climate. and by storing carbon in its leaves and woody matter. The
[16] leaves of trees reflect and absorb sunlight and radiation from
Within the farming communities and municipal areas, the sun. They prevent the area underneath them from becoming
rainfall usually picks up sediments, pesticides and fertilizers hot. Trees thus create cool, shady and comfortable conditions
from lawns and farms. It collects metals, oils, and gasoline under their canopy, especially in the hot summer season. Trees
from roadways and pollutants from the air. Precipitation can can also be used to shade walls of buildings exposed to the sun.
then quickly transport these pollutants directly into streams. Water is continuously supplied to the leaves of the tree by its
Riparian forests (that is, strips of trees bordering streams, root system and is constantly being released to the air by
rivers and lakes in agricultural areas) protect water quality by evaporation. This loss of water from the tree is known as
removing such pollutants from agricultural runoff. Hence, transpiration. When wind blows through the foliage of a tree it
riparian forests can help filter out pollutants before they enter carries with it this moisture and this becomes a pleasant breeze
waterways. Research studies have shown that riparian forest [22]. Ongoing studies indicate that trees planted in strategic
buffers can actually reduce fertilizer, pesticide, and sediment locations can be an effective tool in managing industrial and
runoff into our streams by as much as 90% [17]. livestock odours and can reduce vehicle road noise by as much
This positive relationship between forests and water quality is as half [17].
already being exploited to help supply clean drinking-water to
millions of people around the world [18]. Surveys of the A number of researches have already been conducted to

world’s 105 largest cities, carried out for the World Wide Fund show the extent of air quality improvement by urban trees. One

for Nature (WWF) and the World Bank in 2003, found that of such researches conducted in the United States indicated

one-third draw a substantial amount of their drinking-water that trees in New York City, removed an estimated 1,821

from protected forest catchments [19]. Among these cities metric tons of air pollution in 1994 at an estimated value to

include New York, Jarkata, Tokyo, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, society of $9.5million [23]. The U.S Forest Service also

Los Angeles, Barcelona, Nairobi and Melborne. estimated that all the forests in the United States, combined,
sequestered approximately 309 million tons of carbon each
Forests and air-quality improvement in the urban areas year from 1952 - 1992, offsetting approximately 25 percent of
human-caused emissions of carbon during that period. Over a
One of the major problems in cities and urban areas is poor 50-year lifespan, a tree generates almost $32,000 worth of
air quality. Air quality in urban areas is often degraded due to oxygen, providing $62,000 worth of air pollution control. This
emission from various sources (e.g., factories, cars, tree would also be responsible for recycling $37,500 worth of
incineration of urban wastes) associated with urban water and contr olling $31,000 worth of soil erosion. Trees also
development and high concentration of people. Carbon dioxide remove other gaseous pollutants through the stomata in the leaf
emissions, a major contributor to global climate change are surface by absorbing them with normal air components.
also considerably higher in urban areas. Trees in urban areas
however have the ability to improve air quality. They do this Forests and aesthetic value
by presenting a large surface area on which particulate
pollutants can be trapped, gaseous pollutants may be bound or There are many ways trees enhance their surroundings.

dissolved particularly when wet and gaseous pollutant may be Planting trees along and around buildings provide a distraction

taken up during gas exchange by leaf stomata [20]-[21]. Trees for the eye, softening the background and screening unsightly

also remove large amounts of one of the major greenhouse views. Trees also contribute eye-catching colors to their

gases by using carbon dioxide in the photosynthetic process surroundings, from the different shades of green found in the

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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

leaves, the colours found in flowering trees and sometimes varying costs). But, they use considerably more energy per unit
even the bark of the tree. For the urban dwellers, it is the of production than those of wood [26]. Steel stud may require
aesthetic and recreational values of tree, forests and parks that about nine times more energy to produce and transport to the
are directly and easily visible to them. Visiting green areas in site than wood stud. These materials also incur serious
cities can counteract the stress of city life, renew vital energy environmental cost [27]. Lumber is the least energy intensive
and restore attention and improve medical outcomes [24]. construction material and its production releases significantly
Vegetation reduces sun glare and reflection, complements less carbon dioxide and toxic products than substitutes. Some
architectural features and tones down the harshness of large types of wood, such as oak, are twice as strong as an equal
expanses of concrete. Trees have also proven to contribute to a mass of soft steel and aluminum. This explains why wood was
community’s economy and way of life. The beautification of widely utilized in aviation in the past. Timber, plywood,
Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was one of the factors veneer, particle board, and chipboard made from industrial
that attracted significant foreign investment that assisted those timber and round wood together, account for about one-half of
cities rapid economic growth [20]. Another advantage of worldwide wood consumption. This exceeds the use of steel
aesthetically pleasing green areas is their positive effect on and plastics combined [26]-[27].
property values. Depending on species, maturity, quantity and Solid wood forms the basis of numerous labour intensive
location, increased property values of 5 – 15% have been industries like sawmills, ply mills, industrial and residential
attributed to trees on residential properties [25]. construction and furniture manufacture, all of which create
employment, earn foreign exchange for all nations as well as
4. The Productive Role of Forests help to contain the rural urban population drift particularly in
the developing countries. Transformed into paper, wood serves
Wood production: as an essential tool for government, commerce, education and
communication [6]. Even in today’s computer-driven societies,
Wood, that hard fibrous material that forms the main
wood continues to power the global diffusion of information,
substance of the trunk or branches of a tree or shrub remains
and paper remains its primary currency. Even though, Satellites
not only the most prominent among the products from forest
may connect cellular telephones and relay television signals
but also the most versatile product in human use. Wood and its
directly into homes, but the vast majority of the world’s
allied products are found in every sphere of modern existence
communications — from telephone calls to World Wide Web
from the timber used in construction, walls, doors, shutters and
pages and cable television programming — still travels over
furniture and myriad of industrial and domestic uses to fibre
wires suspended on modified tree trunks called telephone
board, plywood, pulpwood, cardboards, carton, and rayon,
poles. These same poles also convey the electricity that powers
poles, posts, mining timber and railway track sleepers etc.
the most influential communication media of this century:
Wood plays a part in more activities of the modern economy
radio and television. And despite the spread of digital
than does any other commodity. Hardly is there any industry
technologies, by far the bulk of the world’s reading materials
that does not use wood or wood products somewhere in its
— including schoolbooks — are still printed on paper made
manufacturing and marketing processes. Thousands of
from pulp wood [28]-[4]. Wood and its products rank third in
consumer products are directly made from wood. It is one of
value among the world’s commodities, trailing only oil and
the most available of all construction materials and virtually
natural gas [29]. International trade in wood and wood
the only renewable resource that is economically suitable for
products amounts to more than $100 billion each year [30].
structural and architectural purposes. The alternatives to wood
Wood was so important a raw material that until the late 19th
in those uses - steel, aluminum and other metals, concrete and
century, disputes over access to forests sparked wars. It is
plastics are - non-renewable (although they are recyclable at
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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

important to note that the main driving force for the Nigeria stands at 70 million m3 accounting for about 90% of
colonization of Africa by the European countries was for the the total annual wood production in the country [31]-[32]. The
exploitation of her natural resources mainly wood and other projected 2010 fuel wood demand for Nigeria was 93.12
forest products that were in abundance in the African forests. million m3 out of a total wood requirement of 102.197 million
The major trade items for the earliest multinational trading m3.
companies that operated in Nigeria were timber and other Human health is highly dependent on access to fuelwood.
forest resources. The National African Company for instance, This is because cooking releases the nutrients in some food
was empowered as far back as 1886 to acquire licenses and while others can be poisonous if not properly prepared.
concessions in forests, particularly for timber exploitation. Because of increasing fuelwood scarcity, finding fuelwood is
Historically also, the forestry sector is reputed as possessing taking up more time in rural communities. This in effect
the first manufacturing plant in the country. In 1907, the reduces the time available for other activities. And the burden
Nigerian Railway Department established two sawmills one at of fuelwood collection weighs mostly on women and children,
Ebute Metta, Lagos and the other at Han, near Baro in Niger who may have to trek several kilometers to find wood when
State. And by 1948, the largest plywood factory in Africa, supplies from near-by areas are depleted. A survey carried out
African Timber and Plywood (AT & P) factory was established in Abia State, Nigeria for instance, showed that women and
at Sapele in the present day Delta State of Nigeria. their children now trek on average of two kilometers and spend
an average of two hours a day to obtain supplies of fuel wood
The importance of Non-timber forest products (NTFP) [33]. People are also forced to turn to other sources of fuel
Forests provide much more than just the raw material for when supplies of wood declines. Thus straw and cow dung are
wood products. They shelter and supply an enormous variety now increasingly being used for fuel instead of for feed and
of plant and animal resources. Referred to collectively as non- manure thus depriving the soil natural fertilizer with
timber forest products (NTFPs), these include fuelwood, consequent decline in crop yields.
medicines derived from forest plants and animals; nuts, seeds, There are indications that more and more people will still
fruits vegetables and other foods; as well as food flavorings continue to use wood as fuel in preference to commercial fuels
and additives such as herbs, spices, resins and gums. The like kerosene and gas as these and their appliances are costly
various ways these products contribute to the people’s and generally beyond the reach of the rural poor [34]. It has
livelihood strategies are further highlighted in the following been noted that people’s cultural habits will continue to
sub-sections. prolong the use of fuelwood to other energy sources even
among the rich and enlightened elites. This is because, some of
NTFPs and domestic energy supply these people enjoy roasted yams, roasted plantain and roasted
African pear eaten with roasted maize. In addition, palm oil
Fuelwood forms the major source of energy in the
production and large scale cooking (at burials, weddings and
developing countries and in fact form the heaviest demand on
launchings etc.) will continue to consume tonnes of fuelwood
forests and woodlands. More than two billion people in
in the rural areas [35]-[36]. It is also important to note that a
developing countries depend on wood for cooking and keeping
number of agriculture-based industries have heavy dependence
warm. Their annual consumption of wood is estimated to be
on fuelwood. These industries include fish-smoking, beer-
more than 1,000 million m3, well over 80% of developing
brewing, tea-and tobacco-curing as well as pottery and brick-
countries total wood use (excluding exports). Fuelwood
making. Fuelwood shortages directly affect these industries
provides 93% of all energy in Burundi, 84% in Haiti, and 97%
and the level of employment and income generated by them.
in Bhutan [11]. Estimated annual fuel wood consumption in
Prediction is that fuelwood is likely to remain an important

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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

energy source in Africa in the coming decades while forecasts disasters when nutrition, fuel for cooking and heating and
made in 2001 even suggested a 34% increase in wood fuel timber for the reconstruction of homes and animal shelters
consumption from 2000 to 2020 [37]. Thus, the real energy become critical. In Southeastern Nigeria for instance, the
crisis remains the acute shortage of firewood rather than the leaves of the forest trees such as Pterocarpus spp, Gnetum
high oil prices. africanum and Vitex doniana are highly valued as vegetables
because they flush during the dry season when cultivated
vegetables are scarce. As well, African pear (Dacryodes edulis)
Non-timber forest resources and household food security
and African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) provide off

The contribution that trees and forests make to food security is season food because they mature during dry seasons when

important, diversified and valuable. It ranges from the direct cultivated staples such as yam are yet to mature [34]-[40].
production of food items to the provision of jobs, income Apart from the floral components, the species of animals and

generation, and support to the sustainability of farming the aquatic life given protection by these forests also constitute

systems. The variety and importance of food that people obtain the forest resources available to the rural people for use and

either directly from the flora and fauna that comprise the forest consumption. A sizeable proportion of the Nigerian population
environment or produce in an environment sustained and depends on these wild - life as their main source of animal

protected by trees are enormous. Forests and trees provide food protein [41]. It has also been reported that in 62 of the least

sources in most seasons and in a variety of forms which developed countries, people rely on wild meat and locally

include edible nuts and seeds used as staple foods or main captured fish for over 20% of their protein [42].
dishes; those used as minor food supplements, condiments, Forests and trees also contribute to the sustainability of the

thickening agents and flavours; leafy vegetables; edible farming systems. A vast variety and amounts of forest and tree

flowers, fresh fruits, fresh seeds, edible oils, spices, fruit drinks products are often the cheapest materials for the construction

and non-alcoholic beverages; alcoholic drinks (plus flavouring or manufacture of a very wide range of inputs to support the

barks); mushrooms; honey and bush meat game, snail, insects major productive activities of farming including livestock

etc. Collectively, these forest foods provide protein, energy, production, fishing and hunting. A shortage of these products

vitamins and essential minerals as well as add flavour to the constrains the efficiency of crop production. NTFPs provide
diet [34]. By providing many of these essential nutrients, forest materials for supporting crop (e.g. yam stakes), and materials

products help to improve both the physical and mental well- for making farm tools e.g., hoe, axe, machete and digger

being of rural people [15]. So far, some 190 such species with handles, which are usually made from such tree species as

edible parts in the rain forest areas of Southeastern Nigeria Pentaclethra macrophylla, and Dactyladenia guineense.
have been listed [38], while the prospects of exploiting species NTFPs also provide materials for making baskets used in

with such potentials in the sudano-sahelian region of the carrying and marketing produce, racks for crop drying or crop

country has also been highlighted [39]. storage (e.g. yam barns and maize cribs), and sieves for crop

These classes of food are not only used to help meet dietary processing (e.g. garri making). Fencing materials are also
shortfalls during particular seasons of the year when stored provided by NTFPs e.g. Spondias mombin and Newbuldia

food supplies are dwindling and the next harvest is not yet laevis) while ash resulting from burning vegetal matter is used

available, but are also valued during the peak agricultural not only as fertilizer but also as pesticide to protect field crops
labour periods when less time is available for cooking and and stored products [43]-[44]. NTFPs support fishing activities
people consume more snack foods. Furthermore, these in many ways: as raw materials for boats, nets, traps, poles,

products feature prominently during emergency periods such poisons and fuelwood for fish preservation. Forests also supply

as floods, droughts, famine, wars, economic and social the materials for hunting equipment: for traps, snare, arrows,

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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

bows, and poisons. Though by modern agricultural standards, Hodgkins disease and acute Lymphatic leukemia [30] while
these products may be rudimentary but, they remain generally African green monkey supplies polio vaccine.
the only resources that are available to the majority of farmers Despite the many potential uses of tropical plants, less than
in Nigeria and indeed other third world countries. one percent has been chemically screened for useful medicinal
Forests also provide home for bees, butterflies, bats and other qualities. The scale of possibilities is emphasized by the fact
pollinators of agricultural crops. Livestock production benefits that no fewer than 1400 tropical forest species are thought to
from the fodder and shade provided by forests and trees. have anti-cancer properties [48]. As has rightly been pointed
Besides, the growing international trade for these NTFPs is out, tropical forests represent Nature’s main storehouse of raw
also providing a steady source of foreign exchange to many material for modern medicine [5]. This storehouse is however
developing country economies. Over 150 of these products under serious threat with the destruction of tropical forests. The
now move through global commerce with an estimated value potential losses for medicines as a result of this tropical forest
of between $1 billion and $10 billion annually [45]. destruction are very great. The now famous rosy periwinkle
which has raised the survival rate of leukemia victims from one
Non-timber forest resources and human health
in 5 to 4 in 5 comes from Madagascar, where 90% of the
Forests make very important contribution to human health forests are already destroyed [49].

with plants from tropical forests increasingly being exploited

for their medicinal values. Medical cares for majority of people Forests and biodiversity conservation
in the tropics relies on these herbal species. Plant-based
The term biodiversity is taken to mean the variety of life
medicines is said to provide primary health care to some 75%
forms of both plants and animals, the ecological roles they
of the world’s population, mostly in developing countries
perform and the genetic resources they contain. The intricate
where commercial alternatives are unaffordable or unavailable
and interdependent relationships that often occur among these
[46]. An estimated four out of five people in developing
life forms are essential for maintaining the ecological processes
countries rely on plants to meet health and nutritional needs.
that support life on the planet earth. For instance, animals need
Tropical forests also play a very important role in modern
plants to trap the sun’s energy so that they in turn can consume
medicine. With advances in biotechnology, pharmaceutical
it; micro-organisms are required to decompose dead bodies of
companies are increasingly turning to herbal plants from
plants and animals and release their nutrients into the system;
tropical forests as sources of raw materials for new drugs.
plants need animals to pollinate their flowers or disperse their
More than 50% of modern medicine has been found to come
seeds. They both need other plants to provide the right
from the natural world and a large part of these from tropical
conditions of light or shade, protection or exposure, comprising
plants. The active ingredients found in 25% of all prescription
the niches in which species live [50]. Thus, biodiversity makes
drugs come from medicinal plants while over 7000 medical
the earth livable.
compounds in modern western pharmacopoeia are said to be
The major store house of this genetic diversity is the forest.
derived from plants [11]-[47]-[6]. A study by the U.S. National
The forest ecosystems of the world – particularly tropical
Institute of Health found that nine of the ten most-prescribed
forests - house a great portion of the planets plant and animal
pharmaceuticals in the United States were derived from
species [41]. Tropical forests are thought to be the richest
compounds produced by plants and animals found in forests.
ecosystem on earth. Though covering only about six percent of
Chemicals discovered in forest plants are used today in drugs
the world’s land, tropical rainforests are said to contain
that combat heart disease, leukemia, cancer and HIV/AIDS.
between 50 to 90 percent of all species many of which are
The rosy periwinkle of Madagascar, for example produce
endemic [51]. With such a wealth of life, forest therefore
chemicals that cure most victims of two deadly cancers,

14
 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

represents a laboratory of critical biological resources. The urban - the capital city of Imo State are no longer flowing? The
life-sustaining services and commodity-producing functions of siltation of the major portions of Otamiri head stream as a
forests depend on this biodiversity. Natural forests provide result of the destruction of the forests surrounding the Otamiri
habitat for the wild relatives of many important tree crops, a river (i.e., the Otamiri watershed forests) is to be held
source of genetic diversity that will become increasingly responsible for the inability of the gigantic multi-million naira
important for these species to adapt as climate change Owerri water project to supply water to the inhabitants of the
advances, and for humans to adapt to climate change as well. municipality. You will also recall that the immediate past
administration in Imo State headed by Chief Ikedi Ohakim
The State of our Forests earmarked a whooping sum of $9 billion just for the dredging
of Nworie river in Owerri municipality. Dredging is simply the
From the foregoing exposition, it is obvious that the forest
removal of silts from the river bed. The fact remains that the
provides invaluable environmental, social and economic
silt came about also, due to the destruction of Nworie river
benefits to humanity the world over. Its existence affects every
streamside or watershed forests. Such a whooping sum
sphere of our lives from the cradle to the grave. It is a priceless
earmarked for dredging alone gives us an idea of the value of
ecological resource, a common heritage of humankind. The
the watershed forest to the Nworie river and by extension to
forest is indeed the lung of the earth. Without it, life on the
the Owerri municipality
planet earth becomes impossible. But alias, this crucial organ
of planetary health is today under serious threat. It is being
decimated at an alarming rate. Forests of the tropics are today 5. Conclusion
disappearing at the rate of 17 million hectares a year. This is
equivalent to losing an area the size of 65 football fields per It is important to understand that when we take away the

minute. Nigeria presents a more dangerous trend. The forest, it is not just the trees that go; the entire ecosystem

country’s forest area has been on a continuous decline. In begins to fall apart with disastrous consequences for the entire

1970, the area under forest was 93,420km2 or 10% of the human race. Ecologists have warned that should the clearing

Nigeria’s land mass. This has now dropped to 46,542.14km2, a and destruction of tropical rain forests continue as it is at the

mere 5.04%. Compare this to the Indonesia’s 73% and the recent rate, thousands and possibly hundreds of thousands of

United States 32%. Available statistical record indicates that plant and animal species many of them not yet named will

Nigeria loses her forests at the rate of 400,000 hectares become extinct. The implication is that numerous sources of

annually. Whereas the world lost 3.3 percent of its forest beneficial drugs, foods and industrial products will be

between 1990 and 2005 alone, Nigeria within the same period unknowingly wiped out. Also, as a vast amount of carbon is

lost 21 percent [52]. Deforestation has also led to the near stored in the extensive forests of the tropics, the release of that

extinction of 484 plant and 20 animal species found in Nigeria. carbon through deforestation and burning could add

This has taken place through massive deforestation resulting significantly to the build-up of carbon dioxide in the

from clearing land for agriculture, fuelwood collection and atmosphere and by so doing complicating the climate change

rapid urbanization. issue.

This forest destruction has left on its wake negative and This is therefore a clarion call to all of us to be alive to our

disastrous consequences including erosion, flooding, landslide, environmental responsibilities. All hands must be on deck to

windstorms, river siltation, air and water pollution, ensure conservation and sustainable management of this

desertification, climate change etc., very common occurrences important resource. Join in protecting and conserving our

in Nigeria today. Can anyone explain why the taps in Owerri environment. Join in the tree planting campaign. Plant a tree
today. This is my message.
15
 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

14. World Bank, 1989: People and Trees. The Role of social
forestry in sustainable development Gregersen H,
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etings/presentations_vienna- Entrepreneurship and Leadership Initiative, Port

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 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

prepared for the United Nations Univ. Institute of Aju P.C started his working career as an Asst. Monitoring
Natural Resources in Africa. 11-16. and Evaluation Officer, Bornu State Afforestation Project (A
45. FAO, 1997: State of the World’s Forests, FAO, Rome: World Bank Assisted project) between 1988 and 1989 under
46. Noor Q., 2000: The right to diversity: Our Planet Vol. 11 the one year compulsory National Service. He later joined the
No. 2: 5 – 6 services of Bornu College of Agriculture Maiduguri, Nigeria in
47. FAO, 1991b: Fighting Hunger. World Food Day 1990 as an Asst. lecturer in her Forestry Technology
publications, 1991: p10 Department, and taught for a year before joining the services of
48. FAO, WRI, IBRD and UNDP, Undated: The Tropical the Peoples Bank of Nigeria (PBN), Oguta branch as an Asst.
Forestry Action Plan. p 21 Project Officer in 1991. In October, 1992, he joined the
49. WWF & IUCN, Undated: Saving the plants that save us. A services of Michael Okpara College of Agriculture, now Imo
booklet produced by World Wide Fund for Nature and State Polytechnic Umuagwo-Ohaji, Imo State, Nigeria as a
International Union for the Conservation of Nature: lecturer and rose through the ranks to the position of a Chief
16pp. Lecturer, the highest academic position in the Polytechnic
50. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Undated: The system in Nigeria (equivalent of a Professor in the University
importance of Biological Diversity. A statement by system). During these periods, he held various administrative
WWF-World Wide Fund for Nature: p12> and management positions including Head of Department of
51. Litvinoff M., 1990: The Earthscan Action Handbook for Forestry and Environmental Management Technology for 11
the people and planet. Earthscan publications, years; Dean, School of Environmental Design and
London: p240. Management Technology for 2 years; Director of Academics
52 . Popoola, L., 2014: Imagine a Planet without a Forest. for 2 years and presently, he is occupying the position of the
University of Ibadan Inaugural Lecture, 2013/2014: Deputy Rector (Academics) as well as Heading the Orlu
134pp Campus of the institution since January, 2014.
Authors Profile

(2) Iwuchukwu John Johannes Ifeanyichukwu: Iwuchukwu

J.J.I received a B.Sc. degree, Geography/Planning from the
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984 and Master of
(1): Dr Aju Paulinus Chukwumaucheya: P. C Aju received
Philosophy in Environmental Management, from the Rivers
B.Sc. degree in Forest Resources Management in1988 and
State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt,
M.Sc. degree in Forest Management and Economics in 1999
Nigeria in 1995 and is presently pursuing his Ph.D degree at
and finally Ph.D degree in Forest Economics in 2014, all from
Imo State University, Owerri. Between 1986 and 2005, Mr
the Department of Forest Resources Management, University
Iwuchukwu worked with the Rivers State Secondary School
of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Board, Port Harcourt and with the International Centre for
Safety, Energy and Environmental Development (ICSEED
18
 European Journal of Academic Essays 2(4): 6-19, 2015

Associate), Port Harcourt between 2006 and 2009. Since 2009

to date, he has been in the employ of Imo State Polytechnic,
Umuagwo-Ohaji as a lecturer in the Department of Forestry
and Environmental Management Technology.

``

(3) Ibe Colman Chikwem: Ibe C.C received National

Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in
Science Technology (Biology/Microbiology Option) from the
Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria in 1987 and
1990 respectively. He later received Postgraduate Diploma in
Microbiology from the Imo State University, Owerri in 2008
before proceeding to the Cranfield University, Cranfield
England between 2010 to 2012 where he obtained an M.Sc.
degree in Water Science (Environmental Water
Management). His M.Sc. degree in Medical Microbiology is
presently awaiting approval of the Senate of Imo State
University, Owerri.
Ibe C.C started his working career with Avigram
Laboratories as a Trainee Technician in 1986. He also worked
with the UNICEF Assisted Water Project, Ohaozara, Abia
State, Nigeria in 1987 and Rokana Industries PLC, Nekede,
Owerri as a Quality Controller between 1987 and 1988.
Between 1990 and 1991, he worked with the Department of
Soil and Water Management, Institute of Agricultural Research
and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Since 1992 to date, he
has been in the employ of Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo
where he has risen to the position of Chief
Technologist/Senior lecturer 1.

19

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