Impact of Logging on non Timber Forest Products (ntfps) in the Rainforest of South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the impact of logging intensity on forest diversity in Iwuru, Akamkpa Local Government Area of
Cross River State, South Eastern Nigeria. Specifically, it considered the effects of logging intensity on availability of non-timber forest
products (NTFPs), which include timber species and non-timber tree species as well as shrubs and climber species with NTFPs values.
The study depended largely on the collection of primary data through direct field measurements carried out during forest inventory exercises
in sample plots with lightly logged, moderately logged, severely logged and unlogged tropical rainforest in the study area (Iwuru). The
unlogged sample plots were of various sizes depending on the type and quantity of samples to be considered. The collected data were
analysed using two types of analytical statistical models, that is, statistical means and analysis of variance (ANOVA).From the
statistical mean analysis, the mean value for NTFPs ascribed as “good” decreases from unlogged sample plots (31.40), through lightly
logged (13.68) to moderately logged (4.71) and intensively logged plots (0.79).However, more species recorded as “minimal”, “moderate”
and “severe” were in highly logged plots. The result from the analysis of variance indicates a relatively high f-value of 4.749 and very low
p-value of 0.003 indicating a significant relationship between logging and availability of NTFPs. It is established that logging intensity
significantly affects the quality and quantity of NTFPs. The policy implications of findings are explored.