Restoration of Degraded Gidan Waya Forest Reserve

Abstract

Land degradation is a matter of serious concern. Vast area of land all over the world has been converted into unproductive and degraded lands. Ecosystem restoration through plantation forest is the most effective technique to reclaim the degraded landscape. Measurement of slopes angles and correspondent rates of soil erosion were taken at different spots of cultivated slopes which have been occupied for particular period of time. This paper explores the impact of human activities as the main cause of land degradation and loss of biodiversity. The result indicated that cultivation on steeper slopes is more harmful and degradation is faster. Restoration of this area is possible when farmers receive environmental education through the planting of exotic tree species of Tectona grandis and G melina that grows faster in this region. The DPSIR (Driving force, Pressure, State, Impacts, Response) conceptual framework model is used to illustrate how degradation control could be more effective, tackling not only the drivers of change but also major developmental issues such as poverty and food insecurity.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n7p146