By: Meer B. B.; Japheth H. D.; Manyam H. I.;
Abstract:
The study examined the effects of banditry activities on forest ecosystems and the host communities in the
northeastern region of Benue State, Nigeria. It aims to identify the effects of banditry activities on forest
ecosystems for effective prevention. Three forest reserves (Ikyo‐Nyian, Ukamberagya, and Gundu‐Chaha from
Katsina Ala, Logo, and Ukum local government areas respectively) were purposively selected for the study. A
total of 385 respondents from forest‐dependent communities adjacent to these forests were sampled based on
the Cochran sampling method. Descriptive statistics, a Likert scale, and Spearman correlation were used to
analyze the data. Majority of the respondents (57.92%) were male farmers who are mostly young and agile.
About fifty‐six percent (55.84%) of the respondents significantly (p = 4.56) perceived that bandits use forest
estates as major hideout areas. Bandits clash with security agencies in the forest, as significantly (p = 3.84)
perceived by most of the respondents (78.18%). Their activities result in biodiversity destruction, degradation,
and disturbance. This significantly (p = 4.28), affects the extraction, distribution, and consumption of forest
resources and livelihood activities, thereby affecting other ecological, social, and economic activities. The
correlation test showed a significant (p = 0.05) positive correlation (between 0.738 and 0.949) between forest
ecosystems as banditry hideouts and all the identified ecological and socio‐economic implications in the area.
There is a need to equip and deploy active security agencies in affected areas for effective prevention, coupled
with the provision of more basic infrastructure and amenities, to restore normalcy in the area.
Keywords: Banditry; Biodiversity; Ecosystem; Forests; Livelihood
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