Impact of Socioeconomic Activities on Biodiversity in Gashaka Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeriaq

Hikon Nafinji* and Umoru Jafaru

Flora biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems, yet anthropogenic activities continue to threaten its existence. This study examines the effects of socioeconomic activities such as logging, farming, and hunting on flora biodiversity in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State. The study employed a combination of descriptive statistics, time-series analysis, and regression modeling to assess biodiversity loss between 2013 and 2023. Findings reveal a significant decline in vegetation cover from 73.50% to 68.40%, accompanied by an increase in bare land. Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis identified poverty, population increase, weak conservation laws, and climate change as primary drivers of biodiversity loss. The study recommends enhanced environmental education, enforcement of conservation laws, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods to mitigate further loss of flora biodiversity.

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Published on: Apr 19, 2025 Pages: 19-26

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/aest.000086
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