Effects of Tree Species Harvesting Practices on Taraba State Natural Ecosystems, Nigeria: A Case Study of Karim Lamido Local Government Area

<p><strong><span>Abstract:</span></strong><strong><span> </span></strong><span>This study assessed the effects of tree species harvesting practices on Taraba state natural ecosystems, a case study of Karim Lamido local government area (LGA). The study identified tree species, explores harvesting reasons, methods, implications, and measures for control. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select four (4) districts. Using Solvin's formula, a sample size of 399 respondents was selected, and the administration of the structured questionnaire was done at random. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, bar chart, likert scale and chi-square. A total of 33 tree species from 21 families were identified, with Prosopis africana recording the highest percentage (99.50%) and Strychnos spinosa recording the lowest (0.50%). 45.61% strongly agreed they harvest tree species for food. These species have experienced major alterations due to the growing demands for food, medicine, fuel, and fiber, which have been made worse by overharvesting. The Pearson Chi-Square has a value of 527.920a, while the number of valid cases was 1995, and the p-value was less than the critical p-value of 0.05 (P < 0.05), making it statistically significant at all levels. This implies that various harvesting reasons lead to demand for various tree species which in turn leads to a variety of unsustainable harvesting practices. The population of the study area have expressed interest in forest protection but remained unwilling to stop tree species harvesting. This necessitates the need to development and execute sustainable harvesting and forest management initiatives, such as awareness campaigns, afforestation, agroforestry and silvicultural practices.</span></p>