Assessing the Drivers of Deforestation in Nigeria: Evidence From Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VI, June 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Assessing the Drivers of Deforestation in Nigeria: Evidence From Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares

Rabiu Maijama’a^*1, Kabiru Saidu Musa², Zahraddeen Mallam Saleh³, Auwal Garba^4
1NNPC Retail Sales Representative, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Towers, Central Business District, PMB 190, Garki, Abuja-Nigeria
²Department of Economics, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Bauchi State University, Gadau, PMB 065, Yuli Campus, Bauchi-Nigeria
³Department of Political Science, Faculty of Humanities Management and Social Sciences, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State-Nigeria
⁴Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi State-Nigeria

Abstract:- The study investigates the drivers of deforestation in Nigeria using annual time series data for the period 1990- 2012. The data on all the variables were tested for unit root using KPSS unit root test. The results from KPSS units root test revealed that all the variables are stationary at level. And they are cointegrated as reported by the Engle granger test for cointegration. The result from fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) indicates that wood fuel, economic growth, agricultural land and foreign direct investment have significant positive impacts on deforestation with urbanization been inversely related to deforestation in the long run. Government should give more emphasis on providing alternative means of cooking and lightening apart from fire woods, providing modern means of farming with crops that require small amount of land and lastly emphasis more on public enlightenment campaign on the dangers of deforestation and desertification.

Keywords:- Deforestation, Johansen Juselius, KPSS unit root,fully modified ordinary least squares

I. INTRODUCTION

The immediate or direct drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are the activities of mankind and actions that directly impact forest cover and result in loss of carbon stocks. Agricultural activities are estimated to be the leading driver as it accounts for around 80 percent of deforestation globally [1]. For example, commercial agriculture is the most significant driver of deforestation in Latin America it accounts for around two third of total deforested area. In Africa and sub-tropical Asia, it accounts for around one third of deforestation and is of the same significance to subsistence agriculture. Infrastructure, mining, and expansion of urban cities are important but less well-known drivers [1]. Findings on worldwide patterns of degradation revealed that (commercial) extraction of timber and logging activities account for more than 70 percent of total degradation in Latin America and sub-tropical Asia. In the large parts of Africa, fuel wood collection, charcoal production, and to a smaller amount, livestock grazing in forests are the most imperative drivers of forest degradation [1].

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