DEFORESTATION AND SUSTAINABLE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Environmental degradation has assumed a serious dimension in Nigeria in recent times. There is virtually no ecological zone in the country where problem of environmental degradation is not noticed, although its nature and scale may differ. Hence, formulation of policies directed at managing the environment by government at various levels is of utmost desire. However, for a meaningful progress to be made on issues of sustainable management of the environment, ecological concerns must be given due consideration by all stakeholders, This study examines causes of deforestation, roles of vegetation on watershed management and it also examines the relevance of vegetation to the ecosystem. The paper later advances a number of recommendations towards controlling rates of deforestation in Nigeria.