Socio-economic Factors Influencing Utilization of Forest Resources at Odoba Forest Reserve, Benue State, Nigeria

Forest resource utilization poses a challenge to the balance between fragile ecosystems and impoverished populations. As population increases, the demand for forest resources and the resultant degradation are expected to increase. This study investigated the factors influencing utilization of forest resources in Odoba forest reserve. Probit regression model was used to assess the factors influencing utilization of forest resources in the reserve. Data was collected from 376 households using semi-structured questionnaire. The result of analysis shows that Age (β=0.006, (p<0.01), marital status (β = 0.157, p>0.05), household size (β=0.044, p<0.05) and years of residence (β=0.009, p<0.01) had positive significant influence on utilization of forest resources. However, education (β= -0.002, p<0.01) and income level (β= -7.69, p<0.01) had negative significant influence on utilization of forest resources from the reserve. There is need to invest in sensitization and training of households on commodity value chains which can boost income and reduce dependence on forests. Secondly, there is need for provision of low interest credit facilities to households for crop intensification. This will ensure that households have increased food supply and also increased crop residue to use as fuel wood instead of relying on the forests all-year-round as well as reducing expansion of agricultural land into forest demarcated areas. Youth and women development enterprise fund should be created by the government and made accessible as a positive approach towards development. Diversification of activities that can help generate income should be encouraged to avoid reliance on forest resources.