Authors : A. B. Hassan; T. Iornongo; A. M. Bala; K. D. Olaniyan; Rahanatu, B.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mpsbkr92

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/msry396n

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1633

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Deforestation is a pressing environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, climate, and community livelihoods, making it essential to understand community perceptions and identify effective mitigation and adaptation strategies for sustainable forest management. This study, conducted through a field survey of 300 respondents, aimed to evaluate community awareness of deforestation, its environmental impacts, and preferred solutions to inform policy and interventions. Findings revealed that 66.3% of respondents are highly aware of deforestation, with 43.3% identifying biodiversity loss as the primary consequence, alongside significant impacts such as soil erosion (18%), water scarcity (12%), reduced agricultural productivity (16.3%), wildlife decline (50%), soil fertility degradation (42%), and climate disruptions (46%). Respondents highlighted afforestation and reforestation (31.3%), community awareness programs (22.3%), and strict law enforcement (16.3%) as key strategies, while also emphasizing solar energy (42%) as an alternative to fuelwood and the role of traditional leaders (44%) in promoting conservation. To address these challenges, the study recommends strengthening community awareness, promoting reforestation, enforcing policies, adopting alternative livelihoods, and fostering stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainable forest management and mitigate deforestation’s adverse effects.

Keywords : Deforestation, Community Perceptions, Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Strategies, and Sustainable Forest Management.

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