Project Abstract

Abstract
Forest resources play a crucial role in the economic well-being of farming households, particularly in developing countries where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood. This study aims to investigate the effect of forest resources exploitation on the economic well-being of farming households. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative surveys will focus on collecting data related to the types and extent of forest resources utilized by farming households, the income generated from these resources, and the overall economic status of the households. The surveys will be conducted in multiple villages across the study area to ensure a diverse representation of farming households. Statistical analysis will be employed to examine the relationship between forest resource exploitation and economic indicators such as household income, expenditures, and savings. In addition to the quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews will be conducted with selected farming households to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-economic factors influencing their reliance on forest resources. These interviews will explore the motivations behind forest resource exploitation, the challenges faced by households in accessing and utilizing these resources, and the perceived impact of forest depletion on their economic well-being. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the existing knowledge on the role of forest resources in supporting farming households' economic well-being. By highlighting the economic benefits derived from forest exploitation, the study aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable forest management practices. Furthermore, the research findings can inform policymakers and stakeholders about the potential consequences of forest depletion on the livelihoods of farming households, thereby advocating for policies that promote the conservation and sustainable utilization of forest resources. Overall, this study seeks to shed light on the complex relationship between forest resources exploitation and the economic well-being of farming households. By analyzing both the quantitative and qualitative data, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing household decision-making regarding forest resource utilization and its impact on their economic status.

Project Overview

3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Study Area
This study will be carried out in Delta State. The state is bless with fertile soil and favourable climate which make it an important producer of food and cash crops. Delta state is an oil production state of Nigeria situated in the region known as the Niger Delta, south -south geopolitical zone with a population of 4,098,291 (Federal Republic of Nigeria official gazette, 2007). The state presented covers a landmass of about 18,050km of which more than 60% is land. The state has approximately between longitude 50.00 and 60.45 east and latitude 50.00 and 60.30 North. It is bounded in the north by Edo state, the east by Anambra State, South-East by Bayelsa. The state has a wide coated belt inter-lace with rivulets, which form part of the Niger Delta. Delta state was curved out of the former Bendel state on August 27th 1991. It consists of twenty-five (25) local government areas groups into three agricultural zones which are; The Delta North, Delta South and Delta Central. The Delta North (Delta Ibo) comprises of Aniocha, Ika, Oshimili, Ukwani, Ndokwa region while Delta South and Delta central are made up of Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri. The state enjoys tropical climate with two district seasons. These are the rainy season (April-October) and the dry season (November – March). The rainfall is heaviest in July. The temperature ranges between 200C and 340C with annual rainfall in the coastal areas is about 2557mm and 1905mm in the North.
The natural vegetation of the state varies from the mangrove swamps along the coast to every green forest in the fresh water zone and derived savannah in the north. Farming and fishing are the main occupation of the indigenes of the state major food crops and cash crops produce in the state include yam, maize, cassava, plantain, vegetables e.g (green, pumpkin, bitter leaf, saint leaf, water leaf, etc) fruits e.g (orange, banana, mangoes pineapple, pawpaw, guava etc) rubber, oil palm etc. They also engage in livestock farming such as pigs, goats, fisheries, poultry bird etc.