*2.3.2 Socio-economic impact of deforestation*

As shown in the **Figure 2**, above, deforestation have a number of socio-economic consequences. These are: shortages of food, shortages of wood, increased levels of poverty, decline in soil fertility, loss of medicinal therapies, loss of valuable agricultural land, water loss and, inadequate income. These consequences are intertwined with sustainable development. In most communities, forest is valued to an extent that, its destruction amounts to the destruction of their values, beliefs, norms and cultures [4]. This further shows that deforestation is not only an environmental issue but is a social and economic issue. Deforestation result in shortages of woods [21]. Woods from the forests are used for different purposes which includes making and production of paper, making of furniture, construction as well as firewood and charcoal production.

However, sustainable management of our existing forests will ensure that we do not run short of wood. Significantly, [1] presents that deforestation results in decline of soil fertility. However, land degradation because of deforestation render the soil infertile. Furthermore, decline in soil fertility leads to failure in agricultural productivity. And poor agricultural productivity means that we are unable to produce adequate and quality food [24]. This then result in food shortages. Food shortages at the extreme leads to food insecurity which is linked with many heath issues. Therefore, conservation of natural resources is necessary for economic and social needs of communities.

Daramola et al. [24] defines sustainable development as a process of economic development that does not compromise the future generations but conserves the natural resources for them. Murphy [22] suggests that the development that satisfies the needs of the current generation, no depriving the future generations the ability to satisfy their needs is sustainable development. Sustainable development is mostly known for its three (3) pillars, namely: social, environmental and economic sustainability [2, 22–24]. This means that any development happening, must be economic equitability, it must be socially bearable, and environmental viability (**Figure 3**).

**Figure 3.** *Pillars of sustainable development (SD).*

Therefore, sustainable development aims to promoting conservation of nature and all natural resources for the use by future generations. However, **Figure 2**, reveals that deforestation, as one of the environmental issues, globally, and hinders the achievement of sustainable development objectives.
