Anthropogenic Impacts on Carbon Sequestration Dynamics in the Borgu and Zugurma Sectors of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

The influence of anthropogenic activities on carbon sequestration within the Borgu and Zugurma sectors of Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State, Nigeria, was quantitatively assessed using a multidisciplinary approach.Forest carbon stocks were estimated across land use types through biometric forest inventory techniques, direct biomass sampling, and subsequent laboratory analyses.Variations in ecological parameters and carbon distribution were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test.Results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity between the two sectors.Borgu exhibited a higher mean tree density (142 trees ha) and canopy cover (48%) compared to Zugurma (74 trees ha; 22%), indicative of greater vegetation structural integrity.Species diversity, measured using the Shannon-Wiener index, was also higher in Borgu (H' = 2.96) than in Zugurma (H' = 1.84).Major anthropogenic drivers-including logging, deforestation, and livestock grazingwere identified, with recorded activity intensities reaching 94% in Borgu and 75.5% in Zugurma.Temporal analysis of carbon stock distribution from 1990 to 2040 demonstrated a projected decline exceeding 75% in zones with initially very high carbon storage, primarily attributable to continued land degradation.The degradation of forest structure and reduction in biomass suggest a substantial loss in the park's carbon sink capacity and associated ecosystem services.These findings underscore the urgent need for ecologically informed land-use strategies, including targeted reforestation, conservation of carbon-dense and ecologically dominant tree species, and the enforcement of sustainable land management policies.Such interventions are essential for restoring carbon sequestration potential and safeguarding biodiversity in West African savannah ecosystems.