Appraisal of Challenges to Sustainable Forest Management in Abia State, Nigeria

The sustainability of the forest estate is largely dependent on the available manpower and proper funding for maximum utilisation and productivity of the forest estate. This study, therefore, examined the challenges to sustainable forest management in Abia State, Nigeria for the period of ten years (2008-2017). Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with key members of the Department of Forestry in the State. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the obtained variables using simple percentages, charts, and correlation. A total of one hundred (100) copies of questionnaires were administered to the randomly selected respondents to investigate budgetary allocation in each year and identify the problems militating against forest service. Results from the study show that there are nineteen (19) Forest reserves in Abia State (Four (4) natural forests and fifteen (15) plantation forest reserves). The highest budget allocation in the past ten (10) years was observed in 2012 with 12 million and the least was recorded in 2017 with 2.3 million with inconsistency in trend within the ten years which could be as a result of government policies and change in the government. the major problems facing forest estate in the State are lack of funding (87%), logistics (96%), staff recruitment/training (62.5%) and lack of consistent government policies from the State government. There is urgent need for proper funding, staff recruitment/training, policies, and federal government intervention for the forest estate in Abia State for sustainability.