Abstract

This study investigated the impact of deforestation on rural household income in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. The study adopted random survey research design. There were a total number of one hundred and twenty (180) respondents (rural households) randomly selected from Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. Purposive sampling was used to select six (6) villages namely: Ilaro, Idogo, Ijanna, Erinja, Ilobi and Owoye. 30 respondents were randomly selected from each of the villages. A structured questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection. The socio-economic characteristics of respondents were analyzed using simple percentages, tables, Z-Test and students T- test, F-test and PPMCC statistics to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that challenges of deforestation include f o r e s t c l ea r i ng f o r f a r m i ng pu r po se, logging of wood for timber and fuel wood. The consequences of deforestation are decreased rural household incomes and rural poverty among the villagers. There was significant difference (P<0.05) between the responses of the respondents based on their household incomes. It is recommended that logging plans should not only be aimed at ecologically sound tree felling practices. Reforestation exercises should be carried out by the State Government and logging companies to replace extracted tree species in the forests.