Abstract
Many local populations adjacent to protected areas, utilize natural forest resources as vital sources of goods, services, and income. Protected areas are becoming more widely acknowledged as essential parts of social-ecological systems where resources have historically been used by indigenous people. It is unclear what variables influence rural populations’ dependence on natural forests and how important this dependence is for rural means of subsistence in the area of the study. The continued resource usage by local residents is a major challenge to the sustainability of many protected areas, which makes this especially important. This study investigates the socioeconomic factors influencing villagers’ reliance on forests products. This work uses first-hand information randomly gathered among 255 households spread across 17 communities neighbouring Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State. A survey approach that integrated close-ended and open-ended questionnaires was used to gather data. Regression analysis revealed that the socioeconomic attributes of respondents, such as revenue sources, agricultural and livestock earnings, and land size, affect local communities’ dependence on forest goods. Hence, effective conservation programs and strategies in addition to minimizing biodiversity loss, especially the loss of endangered species should take into account local livelihoods, such as the collection of forest products, as this practice can lead to habitat loss and biodiversity degradation.
Keywords: Forest, Fuelwood, Gum Arabic, Hunting, Protected Area, Rural Community.