EFFECTS OF LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN THE KWAMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

This study analyzed the environmental effects of livelihood diversification activities among farming households in Kwami Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 360 respondents, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and OLR were used for data analysis. The top three non-farm livelihood activities among respondents were charcoal production (33.3%), logging and timber processing (13.9%), and mining (9.2%). Environmental degradation was measured using a 5-point Likert scale and categorized into three levels: low (1–2), medium (3), and high (4–5). The OLR analysis showed that charcoal production, logging, and mining had statistically significant and positive effects on environmental degradation levels, with charcoal production having the strongest impact. The study concludes that unsustainable livelihood diversification strategies significantly contribute to environmental degradation. Therefore, adopting sustainable alternatives that minimize ecological damage is essential to ensure long-term environmental and livelihood security.