Human Induced Change Characteristics of Selected Vegetation Variables in Parts of Kogi East, Nigeria

This study examines the spatial effects of deforestation on selected vegetation variables in Kogi East in the last twenty years. It focused specifically on the assessment of the implications of the destructive interference of vegetation characteristics, structure and composition by human activities. In a bid to fulfil the goal of this study, twenty one vegetation sample each were collected from across the three dissimilar axis (i. e Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro, Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela-Odoru and Dekina, Ofu and Anyigba) in Kogi East, and classified using a 1000meters square line transect in the triangular axis. The study relied essentially on the results of a field investigation. It was found that in many parts of the study area substantial hectares of the forest landscape have been logged and rendered less productive. Over a 100, 000 hectares of vegetation cover was lost annually, most of which were deliberately removed to make way for agriculture, mineral exploitation, urbanization and expansion of settlements among others. Reforestation efforts replenished only 25, 000 hectares. Detail analysis of the vegetation revealed that the vegetation in the area have suffered significant damage/changes in terms of its structure, density and characteristics. It was also found that the prolonged adverse human influence on the forest landscape has contributed significantly to loss of forest resources, degradation of flora, fauna, and soil. This have disrupted the overall ecosystem functions in the study area. The study thus suggested a sustainable Landuse management practices in the study in order to address the ugly trend.