Impact of internally displaced persons on forest and vegetation of Jere LGA, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Deforestation is described as changes in the structure and composition of an area of forest after there has been some form of human intervention such as firewood, charcoal and logging. The study examined impact of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on forest and vegetation cover of Jere L.G.A. of Borno State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of impact of deforestation and depletion of vegetation cover caused by displaced persons to forest of Jere L.G.A. and also identifies the socio-economic needs of the displaced persons in camps. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were generated through field observation and focused group discussion with displaced persons, while the secondary data was obtained from relevant available literature. Findings revealed that about 12 square kilometers of forest and vegetation cover were destroyed by displaced persons. The Findings also revealed that displaced persons engaged in cutting of trees for shelter, firewood, charcoal and debarking trees for medicinal purpose to earn money. The study revealed displaced persons conditioned in camps are deplorable far from the ideal situation. The study concluded that environmental impact assessment should be incorporated in the strategies for displaced persons welfare before their arrival. The study recommended that host governments, humanitarian agencies and NGOs should support the living conditions of displaced persons through socio-economic, education, skill and vocational training development that promotes lifelong learning opportunities.

Keywords: Displaced persons, Deforestation, Vegetation, Firewood and Charcoal