Farmers’ Demographic Variables and Forest Resources Management in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State ,nigeria

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to investigate farmers’ demographic variables and forest resources management in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the 0.05 level of significance. Literature review was carried out based on the variables of the study.The survey research design was considered most suitable for the study. Simple random sampling technique was adopted to select seven communities, while systematic random sampling was used to select the two hundred and twenty-three (223) respondents that participated in the study. A thirty-item, four-point Likert scale questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection, and it was properly validated by lecturers.Data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test statistical tools. The result of data analysis revealed that there was a significant influence of farmers’ gender, age, and income level on forest resources management, while educational level showed no significant influence.Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that farmers in the study area across various age groups should be encouraged to continue developing commitment towards forest resources management activities that promote afforestation and sustainable use of forest resources.