HEALTH IMPACT OF DEFORESTATION ON RURAL COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHERN KADUNA SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Forests significantly contribute to human health. Deforestation of these forests canhave notable direct and indirect effects on human well-being. Deforestation greatly disrupts theecological balance, leading to the spread of disease pathogens and their carriers in ruralcommunities in the Southern Senatorial District of Kaduna State. This study examines the healthimpact of deforestation in the area, with a specific focus on adverse health outcomes. It exploresand describes health-related perspectives linked to deforestation in rural communities. Theresearch used both qualitative and quantitative social research methods for data collection.Questionnaires were randomly distributed to 600 respondents across four selected LocalGovernment Areas, and ten key informants were also interviewed. Data analysis incorporateddescriptive statistical techniques for the quantitative data and content analysis for the qualitativedata. The results showed a high prevalence of malaria among residents, which is indirectlyassociated with deforestation as a result of the rise in temperatures, which, over time, enhancesmosquito breeding and leads to more cases of malaria. The study recommends that relevantauthorities, like the State Government, in collaboration with the LGAs, educate communities onthe severity of deforestation on human health. Additionally, relevant forest control agencies mustunderstand the social perceptions of the people to aid in addressing complex social-environmentalchallenges and support policymakers in adopting more sustainable and inclusive forestmanagement practices. Based on these findings, the study advocates for the proper managementand intensification of existing agriculture rather than expanding into untouched lands.