Rampant logging in Adamawa, Taraba puts the squeeze on future of natural resources

Previously, expansion of farm lands through some agricultural practices like bush fallowing were the major cause of deforestation in Taraba and southern parts of Adamawa States. However, in recent years a new dimension has been added to this through illegal and uncontrolled logging (felling, trimming and transporting of trees). A species of tree referred to […]

Previously, expansion of farm lands through some agricultural practices like bush fallowing were the major cause of deforestation in Taraba and southern parts of Adamawa States.

However, in recent years a new dimension has been added to this through illegal and uncontrolled logging (felling, trimming and transporting of trees).

A species of tree referred to as the African Teak (with a botanical name Pterocarpus erinaceus) in English also  Madubiya in Hausa, Osun dudu in Yoruba (and most recently called Madrid by its exploiters) has fallen victim to this excessive logging.

This activity is taking place within the watersheds of two major tributaries of the River Benue (the Taraba and Faro) and is threatening the existence of the African Teak, the adjacent National Parks (Gashaka-Gumti in Nigeria and Faro in bordering Cameroun Republic) and generally the sustainability of natural systems in the area and beyond.

Along the major roads in the southern parts of Adamawa and central and southern parts of Taraba piles of Madrid trees can be seen kept by the road side and waiting to be transported.

Initial investigation by the writer found out that a log of about 1.2 meter length or less cost between N5, 000- N 7,000.

In periods of shortage, road side logs can be sold as much N 12,000.

Lorries of various sizes can be seen loading the logs to destinations presumably in the south for onward exportation.

Many people in the area especially the youth are actively involved in the business as scouts, saw chain operators, transporters or local middlemen.

Initial investigation also suggest that even the government or government officials at local and state levels are benefitting from this new business.

Many of the people actively involved did not indicate any management strategies carried out like replacement by planting another tree after cutting down one to replenish the forest.

The reader may like to ask why logging of such species of tree is a major concern especially when many people are making a living out of it.

Well, there are so many reasons that have drawn the attention of the writer to this activity.

But before pointing out the so many reasons for the cause of the alarm there is a need to know certain important things about the tree.

The African Teak tree is sourced for so many reasons. It is a hard wood that produces some of the best furniture in the world. The rings within the trunks provide good decoration and finishing in furniture and the tree has medicinal values.

All over West Africa the tree is known for its medicinal values, for instance, in the treatment of diarrhoea, infections, rheumatism and the treatment of fever. It is sought after in countries like China where it used in the furniture and medicine industries.

The leaves and branches make good forage for animals. Parts of the tree are used in producing dye in the textile industry. The nitrogen fixation capabilities of the roots mean it is scientifically classified as leguminous and improves the fertility of the soil. When planted the tree require little management growing rapidly under favourable conditions.

The African Teak is widely found all over West and Central Africa but it grows well in shallow soils. In parts of Adamawa and Taraba States it is mostly found in rough terrains especially on steep slopes. It is un-common to low-lying and flat areas.

Considering the importance of the African Teak it is not wise to allow the tree to disappear from our forest. However, incessant logging of the African Teak tree is not only causing deforestation but in hilly areas the removal of vegetation intensifies erosion.

The earth’s systems are so intricately related that a slight problem in one component may affect the other. Deforestation in the upper reaches of the tributaries of the River Benue triggers a series of other detrimental events. Erosion in the upper reaches may lead to increased sedimentation downstream, subsequent blockage of river channels and flooding. Trees in the areas under scrutiny form a dense canopy in some places, moderating evaporation and retaining moisture.

There are many rivers and streams in upper reaches of the Rivers Taraba and Faro that flow throughout the year, giving a serene and pleasant environment. Such steady flow of water up stream continuously recharges (under) ground water supplies downstream.

If the tree canopies are removed, most of the water up stream evaporates within a short period, reducing the ground water recharge downstream, posing a threat to water security in some major towns.

While, in other continents the burning of fossil fuels is the major contributor to atmospheric carbon dioxide, the international panel on climate change (IPCC) has identified deforestation as Africa’s major contributor to atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The forest is not only a natural sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide but reduces surface albedo [fraction of solar energy reflected back into space from earth] and increases the generation of convection currents responsible for most rainfall in the tropics. Finally, the African Teak is very attractive to bees because of its dense flowering. Bees and other insects are very important for the pollination of plants.

Recently, it was discovered that there has been drastic reduction in the population of bees all over the world and this has affected the yield in wheat and other crops globally. Trees are generally a home to a variety of insects. If we continue to destroy the habitats of insects we are also destroying the ability of our crops to produce. Apart from insects our forest are a home to a variety of animals.

Presently, most of the logging activities are taking place outside the Gashaka-Gumti National Park. The big question is what happens next when sources of the African Teak in areas surrounding the park are depleted? Does it mean that the people involved in this business will adhere to the laws and fall short of encroaching into the park?

The Gashaka National Park was created for several reasons. Among these include the protection of biodiversity, the surrounding water catchment area and a place for research and tourism. It is a home to several endangered species of wild life. In Nigeria some of this endangered species only exist in the park.

The present framework for the legislation on forest resources and tree management in Nigeria is based on the Land Use Decree of 1978. The decree vests land in each state on the state government and consequently the promulgation and implementation of further legislation stipulating the penalties and punishment for offenders. However, many of such state laws on tree management are abused or not implemented.

For instance, in August of 2015 the Taraba State Government announced a ban on felling of trees and imposed a fine of N400,000 on each truck loaded with logs. From initial interviews with some people involved in the logging business they have acknowledged such payments are made. The way such payments are made seems to look like royalties rather than fines.

There is little effort made on the part of the Adamawa State Government and no such fine is charged. Despite the effort made by the Taraba State Government it is too little and has fallen short of curbing logging in the state. Nonetheless, loggers are not provided with seedlings to replant.

Considering the need for additional means of income for the government to supplement dwindling oil revenues, sustainable use of environmental resource should be a major priority. This could be achieved through stringent enforcement of existing laws on felling of trees and implementing of robust resource management strategies.

There is a need to act now and act fast to save our forest and by extension other environmental resources before it is too late. We will be judged by future generations to come. Their judgement of our generation and the place we attain in the future of this country will depend on our level of action or inaction.

 

 

Dr Bibi Umar Muhammed

A lecturer/environmentalist with Department of Geography, Adamawa State University, Mubi