TIMBER EXPLOITATION AND FOREST RESOURCES DEGRADATION IN ETUNG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the relationship between timber exploitation and forest resources degradation in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State. A theory was adopted to guide the study. To achieve the purpose of this study, a specific objective and null hypothesis were formulated. The review of related literature was carried out accordingly in line with the specific objectives raised. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The area of the study was Etung LGA, Cross River State. The target population was all household members aged 18 and above. Multiple sampling approaches were adopted in selecting the local government, wards and two hundred (200) respondents used for the study. A ten item modified four point Likert scale questionnaire titled Timber exploitation and Forest Resources Degradation Questionnaire (TEFRCỌ) was the instrument used for collecting data for the study. The researcher visited the study area, seeking for permission from Community Heads to carry out the study. The validated questionnaire was administered by the researcher and three research assistants. To test the hypotheses formulated for the study, Pearson product moment statistical tools was used as statistical tool for data analysis. The hypothesis formulated was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between timber exploitation and forest resources degradation in Etung LGA. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that In addition to the aforementioned, the government should promulgate and implement a strict policy to regulate the logging of timber.