*4.1.5 Proposed strategies towards the conservation of timber species in GFR*

This study also sought to proffer solutions to illegal logging as well as the degradation in the study area and control strategies were proposed in this regard. The result is tabulated and graphically illustrated in **Figure 4** below.

*Analysis of Anthropogenic Impediments to African Forest Ecosystems Conservation… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104452*

**Figure 4.** *Bar chart depicting proposed strategies towards the conservation of timber species in Gambari Forest reserve.*

**Figure 4** presents a graphic illustration of the suggested strategies proposed by the respondents for the conservation of timber species in GFR. The greatest frequency of respondents (i.e. 168 or 86.5%) supported population growth control. This assertion is consistent with existing literature such as Potatov, [22]; Olatoye, [3, 4]; Olatoye, [1], who stated that there is a high correlation between population growth and ecosystem/ biodiversity loss. They further opined that controlling human population growth levels will gradually reduce stress on ecosystems. Further, 149 (58.9%) respondents were of the opinion that limits should be placed on urban expansion, for the purpose of ensuring sustainability of ecosystem resources, and this confirms the position of ecosystem scholars such Sadorsky [23]; Deng [24] On a global scale, Sadorsky [23]; posited that global urban expansion will continue unabated, even as the world's human urban population is estimated to rise by more than 3 billion people by year 2050, and this will be due to high urban fertility rates and re-categorization of rural territories into urban centers [23, 25].

## **5. Conclusion**

The impact of anthropogenic actions on forest ecosystems is alarming, as it ultimately results in exploitation of virgin territories for the purpose of meeting higher demands on wood utilization, agriculture, housing, transportation and other basic human infrastructure to cater for the teeming population. In the same vein, population has an adverse effect on the preservation of biological diversity, and the consequences of population increase is decline in ecosystem service delivery as well as flora and fauna habitat loss. For example, over 5240 hectares of forest vegetation was lost to other land uses from year 1984 to 2014 (average of over 140 hectares/year loss) in the study area due to poverty, unemployment, government negligence and inadequate security at the reserve. Another observation of important significance is the attitude of fuel wood collectors to issues of environmental degradation. Despite government policies and awareness on the need for forest conservation, protection and sustainable forest management practices, some of them still regard fuel wood as a free gift of nature. This in consequence makes it difficult for them to believe in the adverse effects of their action. The low literacy level in the study area and environs and the general belief in the traditional practice of tree felling and bush clearing have also contributed to environmental degradation in the study area. While healthy ecosystems are highly resilient to impacts of environmental change on account of their capability to sustain ecosystem services on one hand, ecosystems are more vulnerable due to their poor state and they cannot provide the required delivery of service. It is on this premise, therefore that this study calls for prompt and proactive attention as regards conservation of the highly vulnerable GFR ecosystem as population increase is fast encroaching on the study area, a situation which continues unabated. Further, rapid growth in population results in multifaceted landscape changes, which further culminates in the altering of forest ecosystems structure and functioning, no wonder they have been imperiled by severe stresses from human interventions due to the uncontrolled and largely mismanaged exploitations of forest resources which has culminated in resource loss, degradation, degeneration, reduced productivity levels, and socio-economic opportunity costs. From the foregoing, the environmental pollutants that are released due to high levels of deforestation, energy consumption and environmental degradation in the study area pose negative implications on human health and well-being. Also, it is clearly stated in the referenced literature that deforestation in the study area significantly alters soil microbial and hydrological activities, and consequentially raising budgets devoted to land surface radiation. It is therefore imperative at this juncture to advocate for the control of deforestation in its totality, and in addition, it is germane for town planners to ensure that sustainable urban development policies are implemented in state laws. Finally, it is important to state that the future of our societies will depict our decisions, values and interests, and ultimately, our actions on the ecosystem, and these will consequentially determine the fate of the human, flora and fauna species. Therefore, the exploitation of forest resources have to embrace the sustainability of ecological systems in scientific practice and as its ultimate goal.
